By Sodiq Adelakun
In a country plagued by food inflation and an exorbitant cost of living, Nigerian youth find themselves trapped in a sinister underworld, resorting to prostitution and internet fraud as a means of survival.
The harsh economic realities have pushed them to abandon legal employment opportunities, forcing them to embrace these illicit activities.
In this exclusive report, FTN delves into the lives of these young individuals, shedding light on their experiences and the reasons behind their involvement in these nefarious acts.
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In the city of Lagos, we encounter a group of young men and women who have chosen to walk a treacherous path. Their stories are a testament to the desperation that grips the nation’s youth. With the cost of living skyrocketing and basic necessities becoming luxuries, they have found themselves at a crossroads, where the allure of quick money outweighs the risks involved.
One of the most prevalent forms of survival in this unforgiving environment is prostitution, commonly referred to as ‘Hook-up.’ We met Blessing, a 22-year-old university graduate who, despite her education, finds herself selling her body to make ends meet. “I never imagined I would end up here,” she confesses, her voice trembling with a mix of shame and resignation. “But what choice do I have? I have a family to support, and the legitimate job market is a dead end.”
Many young women like her have been lured into the world of prostitution, where they are exposed to physical and emotional abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and the constant fear of law enforcement.
It is a life they never envisioned for themselves, but one they feel compelled to embrace in order to survive.
In the same vein, we delve into the world of internet fraud, popularly known as ‘Yahoo yahoo.’ Here, we met Chinedu, a 25-year-old computer Science graduate who has become entangled in a web of deceit. “I never wanted to be a fraudster,” he confesses, his eyes filled with regret. “But when you see your friends living lavish lifestyles, driving expensive cars, and you can barely afford a meal, it becomes tempting.”
The allure of easy money, coupled with the lack of viable job opportunities, has driven them to exploit the vulnerabilities of unsuspecting individuals online.
However, this path is not without consequences. Many have fallen victim to the law, facing imprisonment and tarnished reputations that will haunt them for a lifetime.
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As we listen to the stories of Blessing, Chinedu, and others like them, it becomes clear that the root cause of this epidemic lies in the economic hardships faced by Nigerian youth.
In a separate interview with Arikky baby on a dating site known as MiChat, She said, “I would like to share why I chose prostitution as a means of survival. It is important to understand that my decision was not made lightly, but rather out of desperation and limited options.
“I had faced numerous challenges that hindered my ability to pursue a stable and secure life. Poverty, lack of education, and limited job opportunities were some of the factors that pushed me towards this path. I did not have the privilege of a supportive family or access to resources that could have helped me escape this situation.
“Prostitution seemed like the only viable option for me to earn money and provide for myself and my family. It was a means to survive in a society that offered little to no alternatives.
“Most especially, i do hookup because the poor was not allowed to breathe. ”
In an informal chat with 20 -year- old Young Khalifa opened up about the shocking reasons behind his decision to engage in illegal activities as a means of survival. Khalifa explains that his choice was not made lightly, but rather out of desperation and a lack of viable options.
Growing up in a disadvantaged background, Khalifa faced numerous challenges that hindered his ability to thrive.
Poverty was a constant companion for his family, making it difficult to make ends meet and seemingly impossible to access opportunities for a better life.
“Growing up, I faced numerous challenges that hindered my ability to thrive. I came from a disadvantaged background, where poverty was a constant companion. My family struggled to make ends meet, and opportunities for a better life seemed out of reach.
“Education was a luxury I couldn’t afford, as I had to prioritise finding ways to put food on the table. The traditional job market seemed inaccessible to me, with limited skills and no formal qualifications. It felt like society had already written me off, leaving me with few alternatives. In this bleak situation, I turned to the internet, hoping to find a way to survive and provide for my loved ones.
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“I stumbled upon the world of internet fraud, where promises of quick money and financial stability seemed within reach. It appeared to be a way out of the cycle of poverty that had plagued my life for so long.I understand that my choice is illegal and unethical.
“However, I want to emphasise that I am not proud of my actions. I am aware of the harm I have caused to innocent individuals who have fallen victim to my schemes. I share my story not to justify my actions, but to shed light on the underlying issues that drive individuals like me to resort to such desperate measures. ”
The government’s failure to address rising food prices and the high cost of living has left them with limited options, forcing them to resort to these illicit activities.
It is imperative that the Nigerian government takes swift action to alleviate the economic burden on its youth.
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