War Against Begging

Preamble This is an English translation of the Hausa poem Yaƙi Da Bara (War Against Begging), authored by Dr. Abu-Ubaida Sani. Context & Objective In Hausa society, street begging and public solicitation have increasingly morphed from a desperate survival tactic into a pervasive social issue. Driven by a complex web of socio-economic factors, an increasing number of individuals take to the streets - not only within traditional Hausaland, but across neighboring states, regions, and international borders. Beyond the moral, economic, and security concerns it presents, this widespread practice continually undermines the collective dignity and public image of the Hausa people. Written as a piece of social commentary, this poem serves as a critical self-reflection and a call to reform. It directly addresses those who have turned begging into an illicit profession, examining the root causes, exposing the deceptive schemes, and proposing structural solutions to eradicate the practice.