By ADEMOLA TIJANI
Street begging has become a troubling phenomenon, almost like a subculture, on the streets of Lagos. Everywhere one goes in this sprawling megacity, even to the high-end neighbourhoods, one is certain to encounter street beggars.
The situation can be attributed, in large part, to the challenging socio-economic situation in the country, no thanks to the harsh economic policies of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As many individuals face increasing financial difficulties, the tendency to beg for survival has surged, reflecting the harsh realities that a significant portion of the population is experiencing. These policies have created a climate of economic instability that has left many people with few options for support, leading them to rely on the generosity of strangers in their daily struggles.
Abiodun Olateju, a young man of average height from Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, approached me to ask for a modest sum of N200 to buy a meal. Spotting an unkempt beard, with a bag containing his few belongings slung over his shoulder, he looked dishevelled. At first, I mistook him for one of those individuals who continually solicit money from passers-by, taking advantage of people’s compassion to help themselves to alms that they genuinely do not need. However, I decided to give him the N200 from my limited resources, and my curiosity compelled me to engage him in a conversation. He was only too eager to share his thoughts and experiences with me.
“I’ve worked in various roles, including driving, security, and as a sales assistant,” he began. “However, I realized that I needed to pursue more for myself. I want to improve my life and embark on a new path. I came across an opportunity in architecture, which caught my interest. Back in school, I was known for having the best drawings; I enjoyed sketching houses and depicting trees with people beside them.”
“At that time, I had no idea that architecture was an actual profession. Eventually, I enrolled at the University of Lagos to study Economics, but I ended up dropping out because I thought I had a better opportunity that would provide me with income,” he narrated his journey of life so far, hesitating to elaborate on the reasons for leaving university, despite my persistent inquiries.
What stands out most about him is his undeniable passion for architecture. “I have been spending a lot of time on YouTube, learning various skills related to architecture by watching numerous videos that cover different aspects of the profession,” he further narrated.
“As an architect, you have to engage both the right and left sides of your brain. This means that architects often visualize and conceptualize the interior spaces in their minds. When they enter a room, they instinctively begin to think about how to arrange the space effectively. Personally, I have a strong interest in interior design, and I love drawing as well.”
He also shared his aspirations for the future: “I would like to travel abroad to expand my knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of architectural practices. I have conducted extensive research, delving back to the architectural designs of the 1930s to study the styles and trends from that era.”
The desire to learn and grow in his field further illustrates his commitment to pursuing a career in architecture.
Despite the challenging environment he finds himself in—one where it often seems that no one cares for the well-being of others—his demeanor suggests he needs all the motivation he can get. Ironically, he expressed a sentiment that might surprise many given his circumstances.
“Things may be tough right now, but if you can discover something that brings you joy, you will find a way to make money from it,” he said.
This perspective highlights his resilience and optimism in the face of adversity.
The case of Olateju as a beggar highlights the fact that not all individuals in similar situations are truly destitute. Many, like him, possess untapped talents and potential that remain unrecognized and unutilized. This situation persists because society, including government authorities, often neglects to support or acknowledge these individuals, allowing their abilities to fade away without opportunity or encouragement.
