Josee Nwa
Beyond Ilorin’s serenity and low crime rate is a disturbing social disorder in form of begging generally despised, but tolerated.
llorin, often praised for its serene atmosphere and relatively low crime rate, hides a growing social issue that’s hard to ignore: begging by groups of people least expected.
In bustling areas like Post Office, Tipper Garage, Offa Garage and Geri Alimi, is a mix of people – from the disabled to able-bodied men, women, and even children begging for alms on the streets.
But there’s more to it than meets the eye. A disturbing trend is emerging: a new wave of beggars who use emotional blackmail to manipulate people and tug at heartstrings.
They approach passersby with heartbreaking tales, often exaggerated, designed to provoke pity and guilt. “I remember one time, a woman approached me with a sobering story, then casually suggested we withdraw money from a nearby ATM. It was a shocking display of calculated begging”, an economist recounted in an interview.
To understand the roots of this problem, I spoke with Mr. Henry, a local and civil servant who’s lived in llorin his whole life, and seems to understanding the their modus operandi and has the capacity to gauge the city’s pulse. When I asked him about the begging phenomenon, he sighed and retorted: “It’s a mix of issues, really. Poverty, of course, but also a kind of cultural expectation.”
Henry referenced the historical context of the Saraki family, who, according to him, was known for its philanthropic efforts in supporting the less privileged. This tradition, he noted, has created a sense of expectation among some individuals, who believe that it is the duty of the wealthy to provide for them.
“It’s like a social contract, you know? And when that help doesn’t come, folks feel desperate, and begging seems like the only way out”, Henry said.
“It’s a tough cycle”, he added, shaking his head. “People feel entitled to help, and they don’t always have the skills or opportunities to help themselves. So, begging becomes a way to survive, even if it’s a really tough one.
“But it’s not just about entitlement. Many beggars face real, heartbreaking-struggles”, Henry quipped.
A teenage boy shared his story of a father who doesn’t care and a jobless mother. “I didn’t go to school. I don’t have a job. There’s no hope,” he said, his voice heavy with despair. For him, begging isn’t a choice, it’s a desperate act of survival.
A Muslim cleric, Usman Yahaya at Kuntu offered a unique perspective to the whole begging saga. He explained that while some people beg out of laziness, others may be forced into it due to underlying health issues, both physical and spiritual. He even shared a disturbing revelation that some beggars, particularly those with missing limbs, may have been criminals forced into begging as punishment.
So, what can be done? Charity is a start, but it’s not enough. We need a long-term solution that tackles the root causes: poverty, lack of education and limited opportunities.
To tackle begging, a sustainable approach that addresses the underlining causes of poverty is required. Equipping people with skills and knowledge, as well as massive job creation, are essential strategies. This can be achieved by making education accessible, encouraging local businesses to hire locally, and setting up training centers.
Community-led initiatives and government support are also vital. Communities can establish support networks, while the government can implement social safety nets, support small businesses, and ensure access to essential services.These solutions can help break the cycle of poverty and empower individuals and communities.
In a nutshell, the consensus of arguments centered on llorin being a city of peace and resilience; and the need to “extend that same spirit to lifting those in need, not just with temporary relief but with sustainable solutions that empower them to break free from the cycle of begging.
“Together, we can create a city where no one is forced to live a life of desperation, a city where no child has to say, “Mi o lo ile iwe, ko si ise, ko si ireti- no education, no job, no hope”, an anonymous respondent said.
Nwa lives in Ilorin
