How Nigerians changed Gideon's 'the groundnut seller' life

Gideon story changed from grass to grace within few days of speaking with C- Classic, the Pulse Tv Vox Pop host on the effects of the ban on street hawking in Nigeria. The story which touched over 600,000 people online, triggered kind-hearted Nigerians to raise about #400,000 naira for the groundnut hawker.

ALSO READ: Meet Lekki groundnut seller who earns N1,500 per month

Since Gideon’s story went viral, life has taken a turn around for Gideon, he has since moved from his previous uncompleted apartment in rural Ajah to a more decent apartment in Ajah, Lagos has offered Gideon an admission into their six months fashion course which is worth over #200,000 and another Nigerian has offered to pay Gideon #10,000 monthly for the next one year.

In a phone interview with Pulse Tv, Gideon thanked generous Nigerians and stated that his mum prays for them daily. He also stated he still can not believe how his life has changed within a few days.

Gideon passionately told Pulse Tv that knowing his background, he would not want his children to go through the same hardship as he has. He added that he would work towards making more money to build a better future for himself and a home for his mother.

Read excerpts from the phone Interview with Pulse Nigeria below:

How much did you generate from kind-hearted Nigerians?

I feel blessed. I received about 400,000 naira from kind-hearted Nigerians. I got enrolled into the ABVee Fashion Design Academy for a six months course in fashion designing. Another kind-hearted Nigerian said he would send me 10,000 naira monthly for one year. I can't thank everyone enough.

What did your parents say when you told them kind-hearted Nigerians have helped you ?

They were extremely happy. My mother wanted to speak to at least one person who has helped me, but I told her it wasn’t possible as I also don’t know all of them. She then prayed for them. I told them my siblings who had stopped school JSS1 could go back to school. will be resuming the school section with other students.

Are you working any other business on the side

I go to the academy from Monday to Friday and my Saturday’s and Sunday’s are currently free. I want to start a weekend business to keep the income flowing. Also, I love music and I don’t want the dream of being a musician to die. I hope to release a single titled “missing angel” soon. I pray Nigerians would support it.

What were the first things you did after kind-hearted Nigerians helped you?

I rented a place, got the necessary materials required for the fashion school to aid my learning process. I am one who knows how to manage resources, I know where I am coming from and where I want to be. I don’t want my children to go through the same things I have passed through.

What are your plans for the future

As I have mentioned earlier, I don’t want my children to go through the same hardship as I have, I would start up a weekend business soon. Although I am unsure of what it's going to be. I love fashion designing, I plan on starting my own fashion school. I also plan on dropping my own songs soon. Nigerians should watch out for me.

You know I live in a rented apartment, I would also love to build mine.

Gideon was spotted during the Pulse Tv Vox Pop where he reacted to the banning of street hawking by the Nigerian Government.

The 25-year-old man who hails from narrated how he left his hometown for Lagos in search of greener pastures.

Gideon stated that he dropped out of school in JSS 3, so as to allow his five other siblings to further. Soon after, he got a call from a friend in Lagos who introduced him to the groundnut business. Gideon grabbed the opportunity wholeheartedly because it was the only way he could reduce his parent's expenses.

“The man already told me he’d pay #1500 monthly and I would receive food two times daily,” he narrated. “Sustaining with #1500 monthly has not been easy,” he told Pulse Tv.

“I try to save #500 monthly but the money is never enough after I purchase my basic needs like toothpaste, bathing soap, slippers and body cream,” he said.

Gideon who describes himself as a prayerful Christian believes his parent and friend’s prayer have sustained him in Lagos.

Gideon’s story is one that shows how kind-hearted Nigerians are and it simply cannot be forgotten in a hurry. Thanks to all who contributed!