Crowdfunding raises N1.8m for protester’s son

Nigerians have crowdfunded N1.8 million for Ogwu Chijioke, a protester, on August 2, 2024, to support his son’s dream of becoming a programmer.

Chijioke, at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, recounted the challenges he faced in helping his son achieve his dream of becoming a programmer.

Chijioke is among the many protesters who joined the #EndBadGovernance protest, calling for improved economic conditions in the country.

Clutching to his bicycle, he spoke to Channels Television in an interview.

During the interview, he said:

“I’m riding from Mile 2, Festac. My son at 13 is a programmer but I can’t even buy data for him to learn more. 

“Can’t even pay for the tuition fees, millions of naira. At 13, he can programme games.” 

He added: “My name is Ogwu Benjamin Chijioke. I would rather die on the streets than die at home. 

“I can’t sit down and watch the future of my son go to waste. I know I may not have a future again in Nigeria but my son’s future will not be wasted.”

Few moments later, the video of his interview was viral and all over the internet.

Morris Monye @Morris_Monye, a social media influencer on X, retweeted the video with a caption:

 “You can feel the passion in his soul. He’s lost hope that life will be good for him but has not lost hope for his son.

“This is why he is protesting.”

He also posted his account details for crowdfunding and urged Nigerians to support him.

“Hello, guys. I’ve gotten his details. N1.8 million is needed to make his dreams come true.”

In less than 24 hours, the crowdfunding campaign met the amount needed.

Cases and impacts of crowdfunding in Nigeria

Crowdfunding is essential for meeting diverse financial needs, including medical emergencies, education, and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, it has gained traction as a means to support community projects and charitable causes.

This digital age phenomenon allows people to pool resources to support causes and individuals in need. 

Below is a detailed history with specific examples of crowdfunding in Nigeria:

Mayowa Ahmed’s cancer treatment (2016): One of the most notable cases was that of Mayowa Ahmed, a young woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer. 

The campaign raised over 85 million naira (approximately $200,000 at the time) through social media and platforms like GoFundMe. 

They intended the funds to cover her medical treatment abroad.

A campaign for Bolu Akin-Olugbade, a Nigerian student at the University of Cambridge, showcased crowdfunding’s impact.

Olaoluwa Abagun’s surgery (2015): Olaoluwa Abagun needed surgery for a brain tumor. 

Friends and family utilized social media to raise funds, demonstrating an early use of these platforms to mobilize support.

Bolu Akin-Olugbade’s scholarship campaign (2020): A campaign for Bolu Akin-Olugbade, a Nigerian student at the University of Cambridge, showcased crowdfunding’s impact.

This example demonstrated how crowdfunding can help cover tuition fees.

The campaign was successful, and Bolu was able to pursue his studies in the UK.

#SaveMiracleBaby campaign (2019): Nigeria launched a campaign to save the life of a premature baby named Miracle, who needed extensive medical care.

The hashtag #SaveMiracleBaby went viral, and people raised funds to support the baby’s treatment.

Oke’s amputation surgery (2018): Oke, a student of the University of Lagos, suffered a severe leg injury that required amputation. 

The community rallied around him, raising funds for his surgery and subsequent rehabilitation.

Crowdfunding platforms and trends

Several platforms have become popular for crowdfunding in Nigeria:

GoFundMe: Although international, Nigerians have widely used GoFundMe, particularly for medical and educational causes.

Patreon and Kickstarter: People have used these platforms for creative projects, though they use them less frequently for medical or educational needs.

NaijaFund and Fundanenterprise: These are Nigerian-specific crowdfunding platforms that have emerged to cater to local needs.

Challenges and considerations

Trust issues: The Mayowa Ahmed case underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in crowdfunding efforts. 

The initial misunderstanding about the use of funds led to a public outcry, emphasizing the need for clear communication.

Regulatory environment: The lack of specific regulations for crowdfunding in Nigeria poses challenges, particularly regarding the oversight of funds and protection against fraud.

Cultural factors: In Nigeria, there is a strong culture of communal support, which aligns well with the principles of crowdfunding. 

However, the stigma of publicizing financial struggles can deter some from using crowdfunding.

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