Growing up in Lagos, it was once a city filled with homeless people, most of them sleep under the bridge at night, this is the harsh life of being homeless. I could remember a woman Mama Ngozi, a woman I met during my volunteer work at a local shelter in Mushin.
Mama Ngozi had a vibrant spirit despite her tough circumstances. She was around her early fifties, with the way she lived, one could tell she has been through a lot. She used to live in Ajegunle with her husband and two children. Her husband, Chinedu, worked as a mechanic in a roadside workshop, and she sold vegetables along the street. They were not rich, but they were happy.
One day Mr Chinedu had an accident at his workshop. With the main breadwinner bedridden, their savings quickly dried up, and Mama Ngozi had to take on more work to make ends meet. Despite her best efforts, the financial strain became too much. Unable to pay their rent, they were sent packing from their small apartment.
With nowhere else to go, Mama Ngozi and her children ended up on the streets. They moved from place to place, sleeping under bridges and in abandoned buildings. Every day was a struggle to find food and stay safe. Lagos, with all its opportunities as we all knew it, became a city of nightmares for them.
One evening, as I was giving out food at the shelter, Mama Ngozi approached me. She had heard about the shelter from another homeless woman and decided to seek help. Her children, Emeka and Ada, came along with her , one could tell that they've not eaten for quite some time.
As time wern on, she became more comfortable with us, Mama Ngozi told us her story. She told us about the days when they had plenty to eat and how they shared with their neighbors. She spoke about the dreams she had for her children, dreams that now seemed impossible.
Despite the hardship she faced, Mama Ngozi never lost her spirit, she was determined. She began helping out at the shelter, cooking meals and cleaning. She always had a kind word for everyone and tried to lift others spirits, even when hers was low. She inspired others.
Through the shelter, we were able to get medical help for Mr Chinedu, though he took some time to recover. Also enrolled Emeka and Ada in a nearby public school. The shelter provided a stable environment for the family, but Mama Ngozi was determined not to rely on charity forever.
With the help of a small loan from a local NGO, she started a small roadside business selling roasted corn and groundnuts near the busy market. It wasn't much, but it was a start. Her customers quickly grew fond of her warm personality and delicious snacks. Slowly but surely, she began to save money, hoping to one day rent a small apartment again.
Mama Ngozi’s journey wasn't easy, but it was a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Despite the hardships, she never gave up. She faced her challenges head-on, with a determination that inspired everyone around her.
Mama Ngozi eventually managed to rent a small room in a face me I face you apartment. It wasn't much, but it was a place they could call home. The shelter continued to support them, and her business grew with time. She remained a pillar of strength for her family and a beacon of hope for others in the shelter.
Images are screenshots from my phone.