Ibraheem A. Fatai
9 November 2008
People living with disabilities have been advised to look for better means of livelihood rather than engage in begging.This advice was given by Rabiu Abdullahi, 28, a physically challenged person, whose legs have been paralyzed since the age of five.
Abdullahi told City News that he was once a beggar but because of the degrading nature of the act, he decided to abandon it completely and opt for a more decent form of livelihood.
"Now I'm selling materials such as identity card holders, sports souvenirs and stationery and since I started this trade, my life has changed from that of a beggar to that of a self-employed person," he said proudly.
Rabiu's position was supported by another disabled man, Aminu Shehu, 30, who trades in sports souvenirs at Wuse Market.
Shehu recalled the way people looked down on him when he was begging for alms to survive and he said the embarrassment motivated him to quit begging for trading.
"I've now discovered that with a small amount of money, you can engage in petty trading and your daily bread will be assured, he said.
Another disabled person, Jamilu Aliyu, 24, called on well- meaning Nigerians, NGOs and the government to come to the aid of beggars by empowering them economically.
"Instead of giving alms to beggars, I will prefer that they are rehabilitated, supported by teaching them skills or soft loans to start a trade," he said.
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