Viral 19-Year-Old Waste Seller Gets ₦1m, ₦7.05m Donations, University Scholarship
A 19-year-old Nigerian teenager, Samuel, has received overwhelming support from Nigerians after a video showing him selling plastic waste and cartons to raise money for work tools went viral on social media.
In the widely shared clip, Samuel was seen lifting heavy bags of plastic waste and cartons at a recycling collection point. He explained that each bag earned him between ₦1,000 and ₦2,000, which he diligently saved in hopes of buying tools needed to practice his trade as a tiler. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Samuel disclosed that he learned tiling several years ago but had been unable to begin professional work due to the high cost of basic equipment. He listed the tools he needed to start properly as a cutting machine, mallet, pitches and knife.
He further revealed that his parents were unaware he had taken up waste collection, explaining that he resorted to the job solely to raise money for his tools.
The teenager’s determination caught the attention of popular TikTok content creator @bayuztvs, who approached him in the video to learn more about his story.
Moved by Samuel’s resilience, the content creator offered immediate assistance. Samuel was taken for a haircut, given new clothes and treated to a meal at a restaurant. He was also gifted one of the tiling tools he required, a new mobile phone and ₦50,000 in cash.
Overcome with emotion, Samuel broke down in tears, rolling on the floor as he expressed gratitude for the unexpected support. He also asked to see his mother during the emotional moment, a request that further touched viewers online.
In a follow-up visit, the content creator went to Samuel’s family home and met his mother, who was surprised with ₦1 million in cash. The family was also taken on a grocery shopping spree, where food items reportedly worth over ₦650,000 were purchased.
As the videos gained more traction, fans and supporters reportedly donated a total of ₦7.05 million to Samuel and his family. The donations were aimed at helping him fully establish his tiling business and improve the family’s living conditions.
In addition to the financial support, Samuel was awarded a scholarship up to university level, ensuring that he can pursue formal education alongside his vocational career.
The story has continued to inspire Nigerians online, with many praising Samuel’s work ethic and describing his journey as a reminder that diligence and perseverance can open unexpected doors.
Beyond my comprehension God😭 Best video ever #bayuztv pic.twitter.com/0r6hXqOScH
— BayuzTv (@BayuzTv) January 26, 2026