Stealing is not an option to explore for Toheeb who opts for a menial job that involves gardening at a burial ground in Lagos.
At the Atan Cemetery in Lagos is a young man named Toheeb.
He is part of a team entrusted with the duty of maintaining the War Memorial where the memories of soldiers who died in the World Wars are sacredly guarded.
"My former name is Ayanime. I am from Ikot Ikpene in Akwa Ibom State. I came to Lagos in the year 2008 and found work at the Atan Cemetery. I am part of the team responsible for grooming the World Wars garden" he tells Pulse.
Toheeb who changed his name to get a sense of belonging in Lagos State says life has been tough on him.
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He is able to offer services that include digging graves. Sometimes he goes through the whole process of digging and burying the deceased for N500.
Often times, he goes home with N4000 from his private burial services. He confirms this as his highest earnings -- but one that costs him a lot of energy. Like when he dug a grave for almost two hours.
“I dig sometimes when I don’t have money to eat,” Toheeb opens up.
This compliments his unsteady source of income lending gardening help at the War Memorial. When the man he works with is able to get some jobs, he gives him some cash as his reward. Like his boss, he was not directly employed to work at the United Nations-managed facility.
Simply, they both work for the boss’s father who gives them instructions on what to do.
There appears to be no better option for Toheeb who is able to function as a mechanic and can also lay bricks.
“I don’t have anybody in Lagos except me and my sister. That is why I run out to work hard because I don’t want to feel hungry and I don’t want to steal.
“So that is why I am doing so many odd jobs to get money.”
Toheeb was about to complete his apprenticeship at a mechanic workshop but his boss sent him away until he is able to complete payment for his training.
Still looking to pay for his training, he settles for stipends at the War Memorial.
"The type of help I need is for me to finish my work. Or if I can see a place to learn a new skill and be mentored.
“If I can also be linked with a company that can give me regular jobs relating to my skills, that will be better," he tells Pulse.
Until help comes calling, this appears the only opening to assist him in dealing with the challenge of fending for himself.
He wishes himself a character in a better living condition.
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