Struggling to Survive: Kaduna Residents Turn to Professional Begging

Many small business owners are struggling to keep up with fuel expenses due to rising petrol prices. Kaduna Residents Amid severe hunger, rising living costs, and ongoing power outages, Kaduna has seen an increase in people turning to begging for survival.Continue Reading>>>

The entire state has been without power for several days, forcing many small businesses, like barbershops and food grinding operations, to shut down.The owners of these small businesses are finding it difficult to afford fuel, given the recent hike in pump prices.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported that the power outage impacting parts of Northern Nigeria will continue, as security issues are preventing repairs to key transmission lines.Although TCN is attempting to restore electricity through alternative means, the problem is expected to persist.With no end to the power outage in sight, some residents have started begging to meet their basic needs.Continue Reading>>>

Joseph Musa, who sells ice water, shared that he finds it more dignified to beg than to steal.“There’s no shame in asking for help,” he said. “I reach out to people for support so I can survive. I can endure hunger myself, but my children can’t – they cry whenever they’re hungry.”Similarly, Rose Benjamin, who dresses professionally and stands at a bus stop to seek help, explained, “I make sure to look presentable as if I’m heading to work.

Some private car owners stop to give me a free ride, and during the ride, I politely ask for assistance since my husband can’t provide.”Another resident, Joel Adegbe, shared that he goes to the homes of people he knows might be able to help, and he has found some neighbors to be generous.“Sometimes, I’m fortunate enough to receive money, food, or other gifts,” he said.