The hardship in the land is real! A good Nigerian Natasha Okpoti has narrated the shocking story of a female graduate who has been suffering and living on Lagos streets for years because she couldn't secure a job and has no one to help.
Okpoti wrote: "Queen needs your help!!!
Last night I, like many were disturbed about the news of a young lad burnt to death for attempting to steal garri. The images haunted my sleep. Not only because of the gruesome murder of a human being bitten hard by poverty, but because of those human beings that carried the act and worse off, those who stood by capturing his death with their phones.
This morning on my to the Singaporean embassy in Lagos, I saw besides the gates of Eko hotel, a lady laying on the floor and everyone (black and white) walked past her like she didn't exist . I picked up my phone and took this picture (below) with the hope that I could share a lesson of poverty with you all.
At the embassy, I couldn't get her image off my head. I felt even ashamed to have taken only the picture without stopping to hear her story.
Immediately I stepped out of the embassy, I drove right back to her. Woke her up and this is what she said in fluent English.
My name is Queen Okoye. I am 31 years old and a graduate of YabaTech. I am from Orsu LGA in Imo state (she paused to spell Orsu for me). Her father is Mr. Basil a Okoye. Mother is late. She lived with her boyfriend whilst in school. Their relationship fell apart and he kicked her out of his apartment. She has lived on the streets for years because her sister (married with children ) refused to assist her.
I asked if she was on drugs and alcohol, but she said no. I noticed she smiled a little too much but always added "I am happy a beautiful lady like you acknowledged me. People walk by me everyday like I don't exist ". This broke my heart.
Queen stays in front of Eko hotel's fence. She is waiting for someone to read this and reach out to her. So if you work in Lagos state welfare department or know any agency in charge of women, pls get to Queen. Let's all share a little kindness because it would all come back to us.
Queen needs you!!!"
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