Shock as Nigerian Beggars Form an Official Organization, CEO Introduced in Viral Video
A fresh wave of reactions has trailed the unusual launch of a new association said to represent beggars in Nigeria. The development surfaced after a viral video on TikTok showed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the group proudly unveiling his identification card. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The CEO’s Statement
In the trending clip, the CEO announced that the organization was created to formalize the activities of beggars across the country while offering membership to anyone who dreams of becoming a “professional beggar.”
“We have an association you can join, and I’m their CEO. Is your dream to be a professional beggar? With our institution, your dream can become true and real,” he declared confidently.
Government’s Reaction
The announcement comes months after Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike warned against street begging in Abuja, stressing that beggars needed proper rehabilitation programs instead of institutionalizing poverty. He also threatened to arrest beggars across the city, sparking controversy.
Human Rights Concerns
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) quickly intervened at the time, urging Wike to withdraw his threat. The rights group emphasized that rather than criminalizing begging, the government should address the root causes of poverty and safeguard the dignity of marginalized citizens.
Public Debate
The emergence of an official “beggars’ organization” has now fueled new arguments online. While some Nigerians see it as satire or social commentary on the state of the economy, others have expressed outrage, saying it normalizes poverty instead of tackling it.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about inequality, unemployment, and the urgent need for structural reforms to protect vulnerable citizens across the country.
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