This was shared on facebook by a good Samaritan, Natasha Akpoti. Below is the details as narrated exactly on her facebook wall;
queen needs 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.
So I asked permission to take a picture and share her story with you
good people. She asked " will they help or laugh at me. People call me
crazy" . I told her the God that made me see her will make others connect
to her.
I also asked if she had any message for you all .
She looked at me and said " tell them I need help to get out of the
streets. It all started like a joke and now I can't believe how low I have
fallen. I might need some counseling and medical attention because being out
here changes one drastically. I need a place to sleep and a job to fend for
myself . Please "
Beloved Nigerians, in our heart lies the power to do
good and evil. I understand hunger's pain. I know exactly the danger poverty
sting's delves to ones psych. At this trying times, let's be sure to Chanel our
frustration to the right persons and not the vulnerable like us.
Today, I had an option to be like everyone and walk
past Queen but I decided to be better. Everyone of us can attempt a little
kindness and love to each homeless person; or anyone about to be lynched by a
crowd. A little effort goes a long way. 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'..
Least You can do is, Help by Sharing this story So
it can reach out to anyone who can offer
her help…
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