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I used to make ₦2.4m yearly – Corporate beggars lament economic hardship

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I used to make ₦24m yearly Corporate beggars lament

I used to make – I used to make…

I used to make – Ibrahim said he always…

Ibrahim said he always dresses well and neatly to enable his clients to give him an audience when he approaches them with his sad tales.

A new breed of beggars known as “Corporate Beggars” is now on the rise in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) due to increased economic hardship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent reports that the corporate beggars have now taken begging as a means of livelihood as it gives them more income than having to do regular jobs.

The beggars usually hang around residential buildings, shopping malls, bus stops, religious centres, hospitals, markets, roadsides and offices.

One such beggar at the Banex plaza, Mrs Hauwa Baba, said that she had taken to begging to enable her to feed her family.

“I have to beg to feed my sick husband and my six children. Times are hard, we feed once in two days, no money to buy my husband’s drugs because he is diabetic.

“ I used to work in a private firm but they reduced their staff strength due to the current economic situation in the country, and getting another job has been difficult.


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“I have no choice but to beg as it is better than stealing,” Baba said.

According to Baba, even if she gets another job now, she will have to consider if the job favoured her more before she can quit begging.

Mr Habib Ibrahim, a beggar at Wuse market said that most of them begged because they had no other means of livelihood.

“I have been begging for over nine years in different locations in Abuja, I am married and blessed with nine children.

“I use the money I get to feed and train my children in school, they go to school during the week and they join me in begging at weekends, we share ourselves to different locations,” he said.

Ibrahim who said that he used to make over ₦200,000 monthly, however, said he barely made up to ₦100,000 these days due to the economic hardship in the country.

“Due to the current economic hardship, I now make between N90,000 and N100,000 monthly. This is the only thing I know how to do and it pays me more than getting a job.

”I know when workers receive their salaries, and that is the time I go to government offices. Every season has its location,” he said.

Ibrahim said he always dresses well and neatly to enable his clients to give him an audience when he approaches them with his sad tales.

According to him, most Nigerians are not moved and are usually not ready to help when they do not hear sad tales from you on why you are on the streets.

Another beggar, Uche Ray, said that begging paid his bills, adding that he earned up to ₦5,000 and above on a daily basis through begging.

“I did not choose to beg but the economy turned me into one.

“I used to work in a factory but after the fuel subsidy removal the company left the country and made me jobless, I have people who depend on me, that was how I started begging.

”If I get a good job I may stop begging, but for now, this pays the bills,” Ray said.

A beggar with a disability, Aisha Sariki, said she was born blind into a large family.

Sariki said because of her condition, people were always willing to help her and this made her adopt begging to support her family.

“My family now depends on what I make from the business. We feed and send some of my siblings to school and some of my other siblings take turns to move me to different locations to beg.

“But I would love to be enrolled into school of the blind for the sake of my future too,” Sariki said.

NAN reports that some beggars now prey on the sympathy of unsuspecting Nigerians who find it difficult to distinguish between genuine requests from beggars who cook up stories in order for people to have pity on them.

They trick people into giving them money, citing personal challenges or family problems such as the inability to pay medical bills, school fees, and house rent.

Sometimes, some of them even claim they are stranded with no money to continue their journey, just so you can give them money.

A victim, Hajiya Ummi Umar, said that after her encounter with a corporate beggar at a hospital in Zone 3, she swore never to fall for their tricks again.

“A well-dressed lady stopped me and we exchanged pleasantries, and she enquired if I could help her buy some drugs for her child who is on admission.

“I pitied her because she was almost crying and I asked for the cost of the drug after which I transferred N20,000 to her.

“A few days later, the same lady approached me at the federal secretariat, using the same trick and I explained to her that we had met, only for her to say bad market and walk away.

“These so-called beggars prey on the empathy of human beings because they know that out of 10 people, six may be willing to help,” she said.

Umar said the beggars were always ready with tales of stolen wallets, sick children or the like and strike their victims once they were given listening ears.

“They look out for people riding in SUVs, official cars, or those who are well dressed. Once you respond to their greetings politely, they strike.

“I used to pay for their transportation before I realised it was a group of people who do it every day, they beg on their way to and from their locations,” she said.

A businessman, Emeka Mark, said that he was used to them and the lies they tell to exploit innocent citizens, who they end up earning more than.

“It’s either they need money for food, transportation, hospital bills or drugs among others.”

Meanwhile, a civil servant, Hajiya Hauwa Abdulaziz, said that begging used to be for the vulnerable, but now so many fake or lazy people have decided to use it as a form of business.

“I will still encourage people to help beggars because it is a good attribute and God loves givers. Givers also never lack, so just do it for the sake of God,” Abdulaziz said.

NAN reports that many people with disabilities as well as the less privileged beg as a source of livelihood.

It was mostly for those unable to fend for themselves who reach out to people, who in return grant them help in either monetary form, food or clothing.

But presently, as the economy bites harder, corporate beggars are on the streets, people who don’t have any form of disability, and able-bodied individuals who can work have resolved to beg for various reasons.
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Married businesswoman drags Solomon Buchi over his post advising men not to settle for ”career-obsessed feminist women”

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The founder of Moppet Foods, Roberta Edu, has advised career women to avoid men like Solomon Buchi after the social media commentator asked men to avoid career-obsessed feminist women. Roberta hit back, telling women to avoid “lazy men” because they bring shame to the family. She added that a hardworking man doesn’t have time to be involved in matters concerning other people’s wives. She called Solomon a “house husband” and accused him of sending Direct Messages (DM) to beg people for financial assistance. Sharing Solomon Buchi’s post, she wrote, “One of the reasons I was very selective about who I chose to marry was because I didnt want to end up alone with a man who would bring shame or be a constant distraction. “I grew up seeing a lot of lazy men, and one thing they all had in common was that they brought embarrassment to their families. A hardworking man doesnt have time to be watching other peoples wives or get involved in matters that dont concern him. He focuses on his work and takes care of his family. Since the time of Nicodemus, lazy men have always brought disgrace to their homes. “If you choose to marry a lazy man just because you have money and can feed him, thats not the end of the problem, youll also have to create space for many forms of shame, because hell bring them in. “Just look at the case of a house-husband from Nigeria who was married and moved to the UK, where everyone is working two to three jobs just to survive. How is Abike, expected to thrive in that situation? She’s feeding a man with no job who spends his time dragging women on social media. “If not for parents who raise children without teaching them their self-worth, tell me: why would a young girl willingly choose suffering? Marrying someone who constantly reminds her that she must pay bills and cook for him, while he picks no bill or even develop the motivation to do so. “If he’s not on men dm begging, he’s on social media telling women what to cook.” Screenshot 20250714 145736 Facebook 1752502535Screenshot 20250714 145754 Facebook 1752502544The post Married businesswoman drags Solomon Buchi over his post advising men not to settle for ”career-obsessed feminist women” appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.


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From EndSARS to #LazyYouths: 7 major reasons Nigerian youths cancelled Buhari

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Let’s be real, when President Buhari first came into power in 2015, some young Nigerians were hyped.

The ex-military guy was supposed to be the tough leader who would fix corruption, boost jobs, and end Boko Haram.

But fast-forward a few years, and the vibe changed drastically. The promises? Still pending. The economy? Rough. The vibe check? He didn’t pass.

From Twitter bans to painful fuel prices, sky-high unemployment, and that unforgettable #EndSARS saga, young people across Naija started asking, “Is this what we signed up for?”

So, if you’ve ever wondered why Nigerian youths gave Buhari the side-eye throughout his presidency, we’ve broken it down into seven major reasons.

1. #EndSARS Crackdown and the Lekki Toll Gate Massacre

The #EndSARS movement of October 2020 began as peaceful protests against SARS, a police unit notorious for harassment, extortion, and brutality targeting mainly youths.

The movement rapidly gained national and international attention, led by activists like DJ Switch, RunTown, and Falz, who live-streamed incidents and channeled global outrage.

Instead of opening dialogue, the government deployed the military; on October 20, soldiers reportedly shot at unarmed protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, killing at least 12 people, a moment seared into youth consciousness.

In his subsequent address, Buhari branded the demonstrators “rioters,” deepening the sense of betrayal felt by young Nigerians who sought reform, not anarchy.


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The aftermath generated long-lasting resentment. Deep mistrust grew toward an administration seen as prioritising force over reform, silence over reconciliation.

The episode became a defining symbol of state violence against youth, fueling a shift toward civic activism and political disengagement.

2. Economic Woes & Youth Unemployment Surge

Despite promises to generate millions of jobs, Buhari presided over two recessions (2016–17, 2020) that pushed the national unemployment rate to over 33%, with youth unemployment alone reported at 42.5%.

An NBS report showed youth unemployment grew from about 4 million to 12.8 million between 2015 and 2020, a 220% increase.

His signature “Social Investment” schemes like N-Power were meant to alleviate this, but they fell short of expectations; implementation inefficiency meant many youths saw little real benefit.

Meanwhile, collapsing SMEs, foreign‑exchange shortages, and inflation eroded savings and incomes, prompting youth frustration and even waves of emigration.

This sense of economic abandonment drove many youths to social unrest (#EndBadGovernance, #FixNigeria), and shaped their political views, many backed opposition candidates like Peter Obi in 2023, seeking alternatives to the tepid status quo.

3. Public Belittling of Nigerian Youths

In April 2018, at the Commonwealth Business Forum in London, Buhari publicly described Nigerian youths as “uneducated” and “expecting freebies,” a statement that sparked widespread anger and the #LazyNigerianYouths movement.

Young Nigerians countered with stories and examples of their hustle online, determined to fight the stereotype.

The backlash was intense, not due to mere insult, but because it came from the president himself, exacerbating feelings of disrespect and generational divide.

Many youths felt their efforts to survive in a challenging economy were dismissed as laziness by a leader insulated from their realities.

This public misstep damaged Buhari’s connection with the youth, reinforcing the idea that he did not understand their struggles or value their contributions.

4. Perceived Hypocrisy in the Anti‑Corruption Campaign

Buhari campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, earning praise early on for high-profile cases. Yet, critics argue the drive became selective, targeting opposition figures while allegedly ignoring scandals involving his allies, such as MTN and insider trading.

This hypocrisy undermined credibility among youths who demanded genuine reform, not political score-settling.

When elite connections appeared to evade scrutiny, many concluded that accountability was for political convenience, not justice.

The disconnect between rhetoric and practice deepened youth distrust in institutions, and especially in a government that seemed to weaponize corruption claims selectively.

5. Failure to End Insecurity and Terrorism

Despite pledges to defeat Boko Haram, violence and displacement persisted. Over 35,000 people were killed, and 2 million were displaced by Boko Haram and affiliated groups.

Mass abductions (e.g., Chibok girls) and repeated attacks on civilians underscored the ongoing failure.

Buhari periodically declared Boko Haramtechnically defeated,” but repeated bombings and kidnappings contradicted such optimism, fueling anger among youths who still felt unsafe in daily life.

Insecurity also hit youth employment and mobility, disrupted farming, closed schools, and blocked roads.

Youths saw minimal protection, fueling feelings of abandonment and prompting some to join self-defense groups, migration, or protest movements.

6. Authoritarian Instincts: Media Censorship & Protest Suppression

Following Twitter’s removal of a tweet from Buhari’s account (perceived to threaten secessionists), the government banned Twitter in mid‑2021 for seven months, drawing international condemnation.

This mirrored an authoritarian streak: limiting speech when criticism mounted. Coupled with arrests of activists like Omoyele Sowore and raids on journalists and courts, despite legal pushback, the administration’s actions signaled intolerance of dissent.

This pattern alienated youths who had come to see social media and protest as their voice, leaving many disillusioned with governance that favored control over open engagement.

7. Elite-Driven Gerontocracy & Youth Political Exclusion

Throughout Buhari’s tenure, the cabinet skewed heavily older (average age >60), while Nigerians under 30 made up nearly 60% of the population.

Youth voices were often sidelined in decision-making, reinforcing a sense of marginalisation. While pro-youth reforms like the “Not Too Young To Run” bill passed, their impact was limited without broader youth inclusion in political structures.


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Enactus Honours FCMB for Youth-Led Social Impact

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 First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has been honoured with the Changemaker Collaboration Award by Enactus Nigeria for its support in helping young Nigerians grow as leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. The award was presented in Lagos on July 3, 2025, at the 25th Anniversary Gala and Awards ceremony of Enactus Nigeria. The body empowers young leaders to drive social and economic change through innovative projects and is in over 30 tertiary institutions nationwide. Michael Ajayi, Country Manager of Enactus Nigeria, commended FCMB’s consistent support and corporate vision, saying: “FCMB’s unwavering commitment to the Enactus movement has gone beyond sponsorshipit is a true collaboration rooted in shared values of innovation, inclusion, and youth empowerment. The bank’s belief in the potential of Nigerian students has helped us deliver measurable impact in dozens of communities. FCMB has shown what it means to be a changemaker, not just in word, but in action.” At the event, FCMB reaffirmed its commitment to capacity building, innovation, and sustainable development. Omoniyi Iyanda, Head of CSR and Sustainability, who represented the bank, said:   “We are honoured to receive this recognition from Enactus Nigeria, an organisation whose work aligns with FCMB’s purpose of fostering inclusive and sustainable growth. Our partnership with Enactus reflects our belief in young Nigerians as catalysts for economic transformation. By equipping them with skills, resources, and a platform to lead social change, we are building a future where innovation drives prosperity for all.” Over the years, FCMB has played a key role in helping Enactus Nigeria expand its impact across tertiary institutions by providing students with the tools, training, and support they need to develop innovative solutions to real community challenges. Through the annual Enactus Challenge, the Bank has supported students in discovering their potential and turning their ideas into practical, visible projects that drive sustainable development. These projects span clean energy, agribusiness, financial literacy, and gender equality. This recognition highlights FCMB’s role as one of Nigeria’s most socially responsible banks. Beyond CSR, the Bank drives entrepreneurship and community development by promoting economic inclusion, giving individuals and small businesses better access to financial tools, training, and growth opportunities. The post Enactus Honours FCMB for Youth-Led Social Impact appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.


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