Why are 'Corporate' beggars are increasingly becoming a permanent feature of Nigerians streets...
Why do people beg? Okay, now this one might be controversial, but before we go 'fisty' or toe the path of denial, lets really ponder the question.
There is poverty in Nigeria and a lot of people cannot make ends meet, and as such opt for begging. But aside those 'stranded' folks, there are some professional beggars who seem to have chosen the undignified path to wealth, or sustenance.
"bross, please spare me some money
i need just N50 to complete my journey
please don't be angry, i'm just stranded"
walks away fast soon as money is handed!
In Abuja, there was this woman who asked me to give her "transport fare" four different times at four different locations on four different days.
Now, this woman looks like the average office worker: well dressed and equally well spoken. It is therefore hard to label her a beggar.
In Lagos, they appear in their droves.
I have met more than 20 of these folks between March and May, and each of them claims only a temporary need. But you find them, on same or different spots, seeking assistance for the same "temporary need" which is usually tied to transport fare.
Their unending destination is what I do not know. This was what Tunde and Wunmi Obey (TWO) called 'corporate begging' in one of their hit songs some years ago.
Now, I have severally found myself in tight situations, needing similar assistance, especially the day I lost my wallet, but I find it next to impossible to beg, but some people do it like they are acting a role in a movie.
How?
Why?
I just cant seem to rationalize the motive.
The worst thing is that some crooks have now formed begging syndicates that lure vulnerable women into the despicable proffession.
This is not limited to one segment of the country but a pattern appears with women and little girls with babies from the north and 'blind' women, also with children from the Eastern part and matured, responsible looking dudes from the West.
I once did a documentary on Hausa women begging under a bridge at Mararaba, near Nyanya, Abuja and you'll be shocked to hear what they had to say (watch the video).
Its a big "business" but I ask, despite the loss of dignity, why do people beg?
Why do people beg? Okay, now this one might be controversial, but before we go 'fisty' or toe the path of denial, lets really ponder the question.
There is poverty in Nigeria and a lot of people cannot make ends meet, and as such opt for begging. But aside those 'stranded' folks, there are some professional beggars who seem to have chosen the undignified path to wealth, or sustenance.
"bross, please spare me some money
i need just N50 to complete my journey
please don't be angry, i'm just stranded"
walks away fast soon as money is handed!
In Abuja, there was this woman who asked me to give her "transport fare" four different times at four different locations on four different days.
Now, this woman looks like the average office worker: well dressed and equally well spoken. It is therefore hard to label her a beggar.
In Lagos, they appear in their droves.
I have met more than 20 of these folks between March and May, and each of them claims only a temporary need. But you find them, on same or different spots, seeking assistance for the same "temporary need" which is usually tied to transport fare.
Their unending destination is what I do not know. This was what Tunde and Wunmi Obey (TWO) called 'corporate begging' in one of their hit songs some years ago.
Now, I have severally found myself in tight situations, needing similar assistance, especially the day I lost my wallet, but I find it next to impossible to beg, but some people do it like they are acting a role in a movie.
How?
Why?
I just cant seem to rationalize the motive.
The worst thing is that some crooks have now formed begging syndicates that lure vulnerable women into the despicable proffession.
This is not limited to one segment of the country but a pattern appears with women and little girls with babies from the north and 'blind' women, also with children from the Eastern part and matured, responsible looking dudes from the West.
I once did a documentary on Hausa women begging under a bridge at Mararaba, near Nyanya, Abuja and you'll be shocked to hear what they had to say (watch the video).
Its a big "business" but I ask, despite the loss of dignity, why do people beg?
No comments:
Post a Comment