National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
When the legendary Afrobeat icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti sang the electrifying lyric “Gbámilétí kin d’olówó” (slap me so I can get rich), no one could have predicted that these words would echo in a real-life event decades after his death. Yet, in 2025, this phrase found new meaning when a three-year-old pupil became the unintended protagonist of a story that started with pain and ended in an unexpected blessing.
Earlier this year, a disturbing video surfaced on social media showing a three-year-old boy, Abayomi Michael, being slapped repeatedly by his teacher at a nursery school in Ikorodu, Lagos. The video sparked widespread outrage, leading to the swift identification and apprehension of the teacher, who now faces legal consequences.
While many assumed the story would end with justice being served, destiny had greater plans for Abayomi.
Recognizing the plight of the young boy and his widowed mother, a cleaner at the same school, Lagos-based real estate firm Gidi Real Estate Limited stepped in to transform their lives. The company offered a remarkable gesture of goodwill:
A full scholarship for Abayomi, covering his education from primary school to university.
A two-bedroom apartment for the family.
A cash gift of one million Naira to address immediate needs.
Gidi Real Estate explained that their decision was motivated by the mother’s circumstances and a desire to inspire young Michael to achieve greatness despite his early challenges.
Formalizing the Gesture
On January 16, 2025, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, led by Commissioner Mobolaji Ogunlende, hosted a ceremony to formalize the agreement between Gidi Real Estate and Abayomi’s family. The event symbolized not only the transformation of a tragic situation into an inspiring success story but also the collective responsibility to protect and nurture vulnerable children in society.
This story serves as a poignant reminder that even in moments of darkness, acts of kindness can illuminate a path to a brighter future. What began as a tragic event has now become a testament to resilience, community support, and the power of compassion.
