By Sodiq Adelakun
In a recent survey by FTN, it was observed that he streets of Sango Ota in Ogun State are witnessing an alarming rise in the number of beggars, a situation exacerbated by the country’s socio-economic challenges.
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Among the beggars are physically challenged individuals who struggle to make ends meet, but concern is growing over the increasing presence of able-bodied individuals who are also turning to beggary.
Local residents report that the influx of beggars is contributing to a sense of disorder and untidiness within the city.
Notably, groups of young men, colloquially known as “area boys,” have become notorious for their aggressive tactics, forcibly soliciting money from passersby and creating an atmosphere of intimidation.
In a disturbing twist, there have been instances where individuals posing as beggars are later discovered to possess significant wealth and property, leading to public outcry over deception and exploitation of communal goodwill.
The phenomenon of “corporate beggars,” well-dressed individuals who approach with fabricated stories to solicit money, has also been highlighted as a growing concern.
In one particular incident, a woman was reported to have been accosted by a beggar dressed in white, who clung to her wrist and demanded money, only releasing her after she handed over cash.
In another case, a middle-aged woman was seen using her underage children to elicit sympathy and funds from local shop owners.
When offered a job by a provision store owner, the woman declined, preferring to continue begging.The citizens of Ogun State are calling for attention to this issue, which not only affects the aesthetics and orderliness of their community but also raises questions about the underlying social and economic factors contributing to this trend.
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The local authorities have yet to respond with a clear strategy to address the complex issue of begging and its impact on society.
Every day, they venture to new places, armed with various fabrications, all to extract money from unsuspecting individuals.
In a conversation with a vendor who requested anonymity, she expressed her frustration, stating, “The majority of the beggars in Sango are fraudsters; they’re individuals who shun work.
“They exploit the kindness of others for their deceitful schemes. Many are capable of working but choose not to. If they channeled the effort they put into begging into legitimate work, our economy would likely be in a much better state.”
The burgeoning population of beggars in Ogun State, particularly in Sango, casts a shadow over the region’s image. Sango Ota city has unfortunately gained a reputation as “that chaotic place teeming with beggars.”
Such a label is an affront to the state’s dignity, especially when the government and numerous honest workers are diligently striving to enhance the state’s standing.
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