Why We Did Not Have Girlfriends – Beggars Opens Up

Two physically challenged beggars in Warri, Delta State, have shared their struggles of survival, citing economic hardship as a major challenge in their daily lives.

Abduraman Hassan, 19, and Aliu Shehu, 23, who both lost their left legs to polio, rely on a scooter-like machine for mobility.

They travel long distances daily, seeking alms to sustain themselves.

“We came from the North to Warri because we heard that people here are kind and generous,” Hassan explained.

“Back home, we could barely feed ourselves.”

The two friends, originally from Kano and Sokoto, respectively, arrived in Warri four months ago, hoping for a better life.

Shehu, who has a wife and two children in Kano, said he regularly sends money home despite his meagre earnings.

“I have a wife and two kids. We don’t have girlfriends here because things are hard and we are focused,” Shehu stated.

The beggars lamented the country’s economic difficulties, blaming government policies for worsening their situation.

“We are struggling to survive. The suffering under the last government was bad, but this one is even worse,” Hassan said.

According to them, the cost of living has skyrocketed, making it harder to afford food and basic necessities.

They urged the government to implement policies that would ease the burden on the poor.

“We are not asking for new legs, but at least let us have food to eat,” Shehu pleaded.

“Tell President Tinubu to let the poor breathe.”

The duo resides in Hausa Quarters, Warri, after spending their days moving around the twin cities of Warri and Effurun in search of alms.

They described their experience in Warri as relatively better than in their home states.

“The people of Warri are good to us. We are not making much, but it is better than staying in the North where there is nothing,” Hassan said.

Despite their physical limitations, the two remain determined to fend for themselves.

“We don’t steal. We just ask for help, and we are grateful for whatever we get,” Shehu added.

They also expressed frustration over the devaluation of the naira, which has made it difficult for them to support their families back home.

“What we send home is now worth little. Prices of everything have gone up,” Hassan noted.

The beggars appealed to the government to address the economic crisis and prioritise the welfare of the underprivileged.

“If things were better, we wouldn’t be here begging,” Shehu remarked.

As they continue their daily struggle, they hold on to hope that the government will take steps to improve the standard of living for the poor.

“We just want a chance to live with dignity,” Hassan said.

(Arise daily)