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Oko-Baba Destitute Home in Lagos: Over 2,000 Residents Face Growing Threat of Infectious Diseases
In this investigative feature, Subair Mohammed explores the living conditions of over 2,000 residents of the Oko-Baba Destitute Home in the Ebute Metta (East) area of Lagos State. The inhabitants share their concerns and hopes for government intervention.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Oko-Baba Destitute Home, situated on Lagos Mainland, has become a refuge for individuals with various physical disabilities, ranging from deformities to illnesses. Despite their vulnerability, the community has shown resilience, with some residents managing to provide secondary and tertiary education for their children. While the educated members of the community hope for dignified employment, others rely on charity, depending on the generosity of individuals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to meet their needs.
For nearly three decades, the beggars’ colony, initially established by the then Lagos State military administrator, Col. Buba Marwa (1996–1999), has become home to over 2,000 vulnerable people. The colony is now known as the “Home of Potentials” but is facing severe challenges. It is divided into three main sections: the leper section, the blind section, and the crippled section, each led by a community leader. However, with overcrowding and neglect from successive governments, the facility has deteriorated into a breeding ground for infectious diseases, with the rooms and sanitation facilities in critical condition.
A growing concern is the presence of waste, including refuse piles and malfunctioning septic tanks, which contribute to an unsanitary environment. Inmates, both male and female, share common toilets and facilities, further exacerbating the risk of infections.
Health Risks and Inadequate Sanitation
Sanni Abdul-Hamid, a 25-year-old leper and a small business owner, highlighted the dire health situation within the colony. He explained that residents face significant risks of contracting toilet-related infections due to the poor state of the sanitary facilities. Abdul-Hamid said, “The toilets and sanitation facilities are in terrible condition, making both men and women vulnerable to diseases.”
He also shared his personal story, recalling how he dropped out of secondary school in Jigawa State after being diagnosed with leprosy in 2010. Abdul-Hamid moved to Lagos in search of opportunities, intending to learn phone repair and build a business. However, his entrepreneurial hopes were dashed when Lagos State government officials destroyed all the stalls and shops within the Home, prohibiting any form of trade. As a result, Abdul-Hamid turned to operating a Point-of-Sale (PoS) business, which he continues today.
The situation in Oko-Baba underscores the urgent need for government intervention to address the deteriorating conditions and improve the lives of those living within the Home.
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