Bourdillon Road in Ikoyi, Lagos, is home to some of Nigeria’s most expensive real estate. Yet, every year, a surprising sight appears on this road: hundreds, sometimes thousands, of beggars waiting for handouts. This annual occurrence starkly contrasts the wealth of the area, raising uncomfortable questions about how charity is handled in Nigeria.

This isn’t a new phenomenon, nor is it exclusive to Lagos. In other parts of Nigeria, particularly in places with wealthy homes, you’ll find beggars lining up to ask for alms. The tradition of charity in Islam, which requires the wealthy to give to the poor, plays a significant role in encouraging panhandling. But while charity is a good practice, it often leads to uncomfortable situations like the one we see on Bourdillon Road, where people are reduced to begging in full view of the rich.

For over 25 years, beggars have gathered on Bourdillon Road, especially around the home of Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s current president. He admits that this practice has been ongoing throughout his leadership, but it seems that he has never considered taking action to address it. Even as someone who has held high leadership positions, Tinubu has not reimagined charity in a way that is both effective and dignified. Instead, the beggars remain, and their presence has become a symbol of inequality between the rich and the poor.

So, why does this continue? Some argue that the sight of beggars serves as a reminder of the benevolence of the wealthy and their connection to the public. However, this reliance on public charity doesn’t improve the lives of those who are struggling. In fact, it often humiliates them.

Instead of allowing people to gather in large groups on the streets for handouts, there’s a better way to offer assistance. Instead of creating an ongoing spectacle, why not set up proper feeding centers in different parts of the city? These centers could distribute food and basic supplies on a scheduled basis. This would eliminate the need for public begging and provide people with the help they need in a more organized and respectful manner.

For those living in the area, the presence of beggars is more than just a social issue; it affects their quality of life. Residents who have invested in expensive properties on Bourdillon Road may not appreciate the sight of beggars every day. Quality real estate should offer peace, cleanliness, and tranquility—values that are undermined when a crowd of beggars invades the streets.

The situation also speaks to the kind of leadership that Nigeria currently has. Tinubu’s failure to address the issue of beggars gathering at his residence gives the impression that he is comfortable with poverty and sees it as a part of his image. This perspective ultimately limits true economic progress, as it focuses more on maintaining poverty than lifting people out of it.

In a nation where the number of beggars continues to rise, especially online, there needs to be a fundamental shift in how we approach poverty. Rather than treating charity as an occasional gesture, we need to think about how to create lasting change. The goal should not be to perpetuate poverty, but to offer opportunities for growth and prosperity for everyone. True leadership requires looking beyond the visible signs of poverty and addressing its root causes with dignity and respect.