In August 2018, Ugochukwu Ibere, a Gala seller restored faith in humanity by a seemingly simple but noble action. Ibere had been hawking the popular brand sausage rolls when he spotted a group of prisoners in a van stuck in traffic and decided to share his wares to them.
As the traffic eased and the vehicle moved, the good Samaritan chased after the van and continued to throw the sealed sausage rolls to the inmates until he had exhausted all of the snacks.
The prisoners were reportedly being transported in a Nigeria Prison Force van heading to Ikoyi Prisons, when they began to stretch their hands through the tiny bars at the sides of the van as the vehicle got stuck in traffic. Struggling Ibere then took a cue and began to share his merchandise to them for free.
His story caught social media attention and went viral, warming the hearts of many by his sheer selflessness.
Shortly after arriving in Lagos, my guide showed me a story that was being passed around Nigerian social media. There was a woman who’d been stopped in traffic behind a crowded prison truck, and she witnessed a food vendor running alongside, shoving his food between the bars…" pic.twitter.com/8Al3Lz0O03
Today, the kind-hearted Ibere has ceased to be a street vendor, but he narrated that he had been locked up in a prison unjustly sometime before and seeing those men confined moved him to extend his famous gesture.
A rival brand of the sausage brand that Ugochukwu was selling on the day have now opened a distribution store for him where he will sell their company products in bulk to retailers.
Facebook user, Denike Ajitena who shared the new photos of Ugochukwu in his store, wrote
“About 6 months back, we meet Ugochukwu, a street hawker giving out his wares to prisoners in traffic. His act of generosity was so touching, we opened our hearts and wallets to him. For the first time, we gave him hope of his dreams becoming a reality as generous donations were made to him from all over the world.
Today, thanks to Rite Food Limited, #Galaboy has become Ugochukwu Ibere Stores! Rite Foods has opened a store for him, fully stocked with Rite Foods products – Sausage Rolls, Sodas drinks, energy drinks and bottled water, ALL FREE for the period of the contract! FREE! FREE!! FREE!!!
It was beyond imagination. How could he have guessed that his act of kindness would generate such goodwill?! From selling out of a carton in traffic to owing a store! How long would it have taken him to save for rent alone?? And the brand new equipment the company put?? And he will even be able to add provisions and general grocery items to the free products, thanks to your donations!!
And as i say to you all the time, Ugochukwu, this is only the beginning. God has only just began and won’t stop until we see “importer, exporter” and much more added to your name! Stay blessed”
