The street is often made up of different individuals who are busy with their jobs. Some are traders, some buyers and some are wanderers.
According to research, about 24.4 million people are homeless in Nigeria, and majority of them reside in Lagos State.
The Centre of Excellence creates a home for every caliber of people. No wonder the city never turns in. Those who have roof over their head might decide to sleep, but what is the fate of others that are homeless? The government might assume that they are catering for every resident of Lagos, however, the less privileged are left out of the National Cake.
It is therefore important to note that the reason behind the increase in crime rate is not far-fetched. The city now have lots of touts who extort money from fellow residents in order to make a living. The state experience a lot of break in because these frustrated individuals wouldn’t want others to have their peace.
More so, we cannot ignore the adverse effect of homelessness on innocent citizens. In the street of Lagos, some beggars are seen carrying new borns who are often exposed to the cozy weather of the state. Sometimes, these children don’t make it alive, while some live to tell the story. This is as a result of negligence and lack of proper care.
Homelessness is one of the root cause of prostitution. One who does not have shelter can jump at any offer to pass a night with a stranger in his hotel room. At least the thought of where to sleep has been resolved for the night. Unfortunately, those that are ill-lucked contact infectious disease and lose their lives in the process.
The homeless are mostly victims of ritual-killings. As homelessness denied these individuals the right to a beautiful life, some occult members try to change the narrative of their lives by using them (via sacrifice) to better their own lives.
Homelessness has pushed a lot of children into the street, thereby forgetting their academic pursuits. These children are forced to hawk so as alleviate poverty as well as possibly solve the issue of shelter. However, the dream of schooling sometimes becomes a forgone alternative. These children are now morally debased. It’s not a pleasant sight, seeing these young folks turn the under bridges their bungalow. It’s unarguable to assert that their level of reasoning is quite different from every other person.
The revolution starts from the government. A lot is been ignored at the grassroots. The government can send delegates to investigate the dilapidating condition of these individuals. A charity building can ameliorate the increased crime rate and crisis that emanates from homelessness. Palliatives can be given to these individuals on a monthly or quarterly basis.
If the land is good, the rich and the poor masses should also be comfortable. It is high time we bridged the gap between the lower and upper class. The well-being of citizens determines is a government is successful. Nobody is destined to be homeless. However, if one becomes victim of this circumstance, do not take undue advantage of it.
The real change starts with empathy and then preferring solutions to help alleviate homelessness.
