Nigerian Man in Italy Says He Has Survived by Begging for 9 Years — And Even Built a House Back Home
A Nigerian man living in Italy has sparked a serious conversation online after revealing that he has spent the last nine years begging on the streets to make a living.
The man, who spoke openly about his experience, said begging has become his means of survival and has helped him support his family back in Nigeria.
According to him, the money he makes from begging has enabled him to build a house in Nigeria, take care of his family and pay for his children’s education. He also revealed that one of his sons is currently attending university.
What makes his story even more surprising is that he does not appear to see begging as something he is simply doing temporarily until he finds another job.
For him, it has become a source of income that has helped him meet his responsibilities.
Interestingly, despite spending almost a decade on the streets in Italy, the man said he would still choose to remain in Italy rather than return to Nigeria.
He pointed to the economic difficulties and poor leadership in Nigeria as some of the reasons he prefers life abroad, even though his means of survival may not be considered respectable by many people.
His story has raised an uncomfortable question:
If someone can spend nine years begging in a foreign country, build a house, support his family and send his child to university, what does that say about the economic opportunities available to ordinary people back home?
Some people may disagree with his choice of livelihood, while others may argue that there is dignity in doing whatever honest work is necessary to provide for one’s family.
Either way, his story has definitely got people talking.
If you were in his position, would you take a job abroad that many people might look down on if it could genuinely provide for your family, or would you rather remain in Nigeria and keep searching for better opportunities? 👀
