The lives of boys once trapped in the harsh realities of Lagos’ streets are being transformed through the compassionate efforts of the Habitation of Hope Ministry, offering them hope, education, and purpose.
**Samuel Babatunde: From Kuramo Beach to University Lecturer**
At 32, Samuel Babatunde, once a street boy at Kuramo Beach, is now a university lecturer at Redeemer’s University. Orphaned young, he faced floods, police raids, and ritual dangers while living with an adoptive guardian. Selling fruits and cleaning windshields at Eko Hotel, he survived a chaotic environment. A ministry’s outreach at Kuramo Beach, initially for food, led to his spiritual and academic transformation. With their support, he earned a PhD, embracing faith and discipline. Babatunde aspires to pursue another PhD abroad and establish a global charity home.
**Kingsley Tochukwu: From Market Hustler to Bank Officer**
Kingsley Tochukwu, 29, rose from sleeping in markets to working as a Credit and Relationship Officer at the Bank of Industry. Raised in the rough Ikotun/Idumu area, he hustled as a load bearer, enduring bullying and hunger. Despite gambling and smoking to cope, he held onto hope. An NGO’s outreach at Ikotun Market, led by Pastor Grace Adetutu Balogun, changed his life. With their support, he completed secondary education, earned a bachelor’s degree, and obtained professional certifications. Tochukwu, now pursuing a master’s, urges street boys to abandon destructive habits and embrace faith.
**Wasiu Samuel: From Bridge Sleeper to Church Administrator**
Wasiu Samuel, 30, transitioned from sleeping under Idumota Market’s bridges to becoming an RCCG administrator. After his parents’ separation, he survived by cleaning gutters and washing plates. Encounters with police and false accusations marked his dangerous street life. In 2007, Habitation of Hope’s evangelism at the National Theatre sparked change. By 2011, during the RCCG Holy Ghost Congress, he joined their program, refusing to return to the streets. Now a Political Science graduate, Samuel encourages youth to seize opportunities for a better future.
**Azukwo Ndifreke: From Beach Survivor to Fashion Designer**
Azukwo Ndifreke, 30, overcame a brutal life at Kuramo Beach to become a skilled fashion designer and instructor. Surviving by carrying loads and scavenging scrap, he faced near-death experiences, including a dangerous sea incident and severe illness from hunger. In 2007, the NGO’s outreach convinced him to join, transforming his life through vocational training. Now free from anger and hopelessness, Ndifreke teaches tailoring, embodying discipline and purpose, with dreams of inspiring others.
**Challenges in Rehabilitation**
Pastor Michael Aderibigbe, the ministry’s Home Administrator, highlights challenges like funding shortages, community resistance from traders relying on street boys, and difficulties in helping some adapt to structured living. Many struggle with discipline after years of freedom, with some reverting to drug abuse or gangsterism. To combat stigma, the ministry involves families and mentors, connecting boys with role models. Despite obstacles, they remain committed to transforming lives through faith and partnerships.
