A Nigerian man has stirred massive debate online after confronting a female beggar whom he had generously empowered with a whopping ₦550,000 to start a small business, only to shockingly find her back on the streets with her children just days later.
In a viral video that has now gained wide attention across social media platforms, the philanthropist expressed disappointment and anger after recognising the same woman he had previously assisted, begging once again with her two children in tow. His frustration was clear as he reminded her of the huge sum he had sacrificed to support her, hoping it would permanently take her off the streets.
According to him, the money was raised out of sheer pity after hearing her story as a struggling single mother, and he had expected that she would use it wisely to set up a trade or business to sustain her family. However, her sudden return to begging left him questioning her sincerity and true intentions.
Woman explains why she returned to begging
When the man confronted her, the woman admitted that she had indeed received the ₦550,000, but she quickly defended herself with a heartbreaking story. According to her, her estranged husband allegedly resurfaced the very day she got the money and forcefully collected everything, leaving her with nothing. She swore repeatedly that her story was genuine, insisting she had no reason to lie about her ordeal.
The benefactor, however, remained unconvinced, openly expressing doubt about her explanation. He worried aloud about how such incidents could tarnish his reputation as someone who empowers the needy, hinting that the woman might have squandered or misused the funds rather than falling victim to her husband, as she claimed. The tense exchange was captured in the video, drawing even more attention online.
Public reactions as beggar resurfaces despite empowerment
The incident has since ignited strong reactions from Nigerians online. While some sympathised with the woman, describing her as an unfortunate victim of circumstance, many others strongly criticised her, suggesting that she had become addicted to begging and that no amount of financial help would take her away from the streets.
fisa_bim reacted: “The bad ones keep spoiling the good ones, oko werey wo lo kowo salo?? Where was he when she was begging. Olohun abayin yanju e.”
aquamarine_beautyhaven noted: “Lie. They are for the street and no amount will take her away from the street. Those children are her cash out.”
pr___in__cess_ opined: “Begging is a lucrative business for them, don’t think they’ll ever stop it.”
olalight46 penned: “Giving them without monitoring or establishing them yourself is a waste.”
The viral video has now sparked wider conversations about accountability in charity giving, with many advising philanthropists and givers to go beyond cash empowerment by personally supervising and monitoring beneficiaries to ensure the funds are used for their intended purpose.
Watch the video below …