Viral 19 Year Old Waste Seller Receives Millions in Donations, Tools, and University Scholarship

    

A 19 year old Nigerian waste seller identified as Samuel has received financial support, work tools, and an educational scholarship after a video showing him selling plastic waste to raise money for his tools went viral on social media.

The video, which was widely shared online, showed Samuel lifting and sorting bags of plastic waste and cartons at a collection point. He explained that each bag earned him between one thousand and two thousand naira, which he was saving to buy tools needed to begin work as a professional tiler.

Samuel said he learned tiling several years ago but had been unable to practise the trade due to the high cost of essential equipment. The tools he listed included a cutting machine, mallet, pitches, and knife. He also revealed that his parents were not aware that he had taken up waste collection to support himself.

The teenager was later approached by a TikTok content creator known as Bayuz TV, who asked him about his work and motivation. Moved by his determination, the content creator offered immediate assistance by taking Samuel for a haircut, buying him new clothes, and treating him to a meal. He was also gifted one of the tiling tools he needed, a new mobile phone, and fifty thousand naira in cash.

In an emotional moment captured on video, Samuel broke down in tears, rolled on the floor, and expressed gratitude. He also asked to see his mother, a moment that further touched viewers online.

In a follow up video, the content creator visited Samuel’s home and presented his mother with one million naira in cash. The family was also taken grocery shopping, where food items valued at over six hundred and fifty thousand naira were purchased.

Following the viral videos, supporters and fans reportedly donated a total of seven point zero five million naira to further support Samuel and his family. The funds were aimed at helping the teenager fully establish himself in his trade and improve the family’s living conditions.

In a major development, Samuel was also awarded a scholarship that will support his education up to university level, securing his academic future alongside his vocational career.

The story has continued to attract widespread attention online, with many Nigerians praising the young man’s resilience and the generosity shown by members of the public.