Photo credit : Aminu Abubakar/APF via Getty images.
By Shalom Omuya | Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Begging and its Dynamics; introduction:
In Nigeria, the “business of begging” has gradually evolved into both a way of life and a “lucrative” source of livelihood for many, begging being defined as appealing to someone for food or in most cases- money. Many individuals cutting across all social classes, spanning from- the uneducated to the educated, the young and the old, the married and the unmarried Seem to be involving in this new way of living conveniently.

Perceived Origin and development over time:
This fast-growing social issue has become a major concern to many as it continues to spread like ” wildfire” across the nation. Studies have shown that the rate of begging has been on the increase over the years with the northern region topping the chart. Although the northerners have been long seen to be the originators of this menace, it has now become a prevailing problem stemming from and affecting all regions in Nigeria.

The predisposing factors :
The causes of this pandemic is not traceable to one known root as many have several opinions regarding the causes this menace, upon interviewing some individuals to get their “two cents” on this issue, Oluwatunmise Adeniji, a student, linked this issue to be caused by greed, laziness and largely unemployment, stating that “these problems sometimes might be triggers leading to the involvement in begging”, another angle sited by Baliqees, also a student, was ” the lack of contentment”- stating that “most individuals go into this due to low satisfaction from what they may be getting from their parents and in some cases, from the government”, I also found out that in some regions, cultural and religious factors( where we have the alimajiri system; where children of young ages are being sent out to beg for alms) could also play out too as a reason for participating in this begging pandemic.

Outcomes of this enterprise:
This menace, if not tackled properly, will continue to spread and create physical problems including, robbery, manipulations, fraud and so on and also psychological issues namely; low self esteem, guilt, Shame, dissatisfaction, feeling of loneness, helplessness feeling of inferiority and most times these individuals are most the object of ridicule in the society where you have the common man raining insults on them, thereby causing a dent on the image of the nation at large; affecting our progress and our overall image to individuals in the diaspora.

Same goal, different approaches; common strategies devised by Nigerians today:
Daily we encounter sometimes “healthy” individuals who engage in this act; developing creative and deceptive ways to elicit Sympathy- just with the aim to “reach for your pockets”, some fabricate touching stories about losing their wallets, while others take to social media to solicit small amounts of money with phrases like the popular “urgent 2k”, Others claim their bank apps are not functioning due to failed bank network or general network issues requesting “a little help” .

The various schemes go on and on with the same goal but slightly different approaches, but the most disturbing of them all would be the educated folks who venture into this enterprise, blaming it on “bad government” and what not. Also people in corporate and government sectors are not exempted from this list, they often see this venture as a “side hustle” to make some extra cash by preying on vulnerable individuals who sadly fall into their traps. The only difference between this set of people and those in the streets is the method of “packaging and manner of approach” that they adopt to begging.

Possible clues to solving begging:
Most times, issues never come about without causes and these causes need workable solutions to curb the spread of any issue, I believe that if the government provides adequate welfare and protection to three poor and vulnerable, such as food, shelter, healthcare, education and employment opportunities and most importantly, Social awareness. what seems to be a problem that can’t be stopped, will gradually begin to find it’s way out of the country for good.

Conclusion:
Miguel de Cervantes said, “Never stand begging for that which you have the power to earn,” this is a message to everyone, in every areas of life, let us all work together to create a beautiful Nigeria, that we can be proud of anytime, anywhere and everyday.