Poverty: Beggars extend hours to achieve daily goals

“This is a very hard time for beggars like me because those who are physically complete find it hard to provide for their daily life compared to us.

“Before, I went home with at least N1,000 daily apart from the various food items people gave me.
“Now, I hardly go home with N500.

“Today, I made just N200. This is to show you the extent how which the economy has reduced our benefactors.
“I have to stay out late after heeding the advice of my friend who is also a beggar but old.
“People always give the handicapped and old mostly. But now, both categories of beggars are not even pitied by many.

“If I can’t meet up with my needs in the city anymore, I will go back to my village before the year ends.”
Confirming the reduction in giving alms to roadside beggars, Miss Mercy Udechukwu, a skincare seller said she has stopped giving beggars money on the street and decided to give the little she can spare to members of her family that is struggling to survive.

“In a day up to two to three people in my family are seeking financial help.

“Sometimes I promise to give them and I fulfil my promise. “Other times I just tell them I am also struggling.

“Before, in a week I give beggars up to N1,000 when I go out. Some even come in groups to my shop to solicit financial help.

“But now, I don’t give them because I am struggling to survive and the little I can spare I give to my family who are also in need.”

Mr. Matthew Bankole, a surveyor, said: “What I do now is give alms in my church. We have a special donation for the needy.

“Such as widows and those who are struggling to survive in this economy.

“I also support my family members who are also struggling.

“The way the economy is now, people hardly render help anymore.

“Even when you have the money, prefer to give it to immediate family members who are striving to survive.
“People don’t even have pity anymore.

“For instance, Look at those commercial bus drivers before they assist school children to the nearest bus stop of their school but now if a child doesn’t have a complete transport fare they either stay at the bus stop for long hours or trek half the journey.

“It is not as if these drivers are bad but it’s a condition the economy has placed in their lives so they have to kill pity.