Even as the downturn in the economy bites harder, women of easy virtues referred to as prostitutes are finding it hard to thrive in their trade as many have continued to complain about lack of patronage. ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM and SAMUEL ABULUDE went round to look at the recent development in prostitution in Abuja and Lagos.AbujaThe city of Abuja is blessed with great scenery and joints. A first timer visiting a relaxation spot would enjoy the environment, with welcoming trees and fresh air blowing after some drizzling of rain, especially during this raining season.The fact that Abuja is the capital of Nigeria and seat of government is no longer news. What is new however is the discovery of areas within the FCT known for promoting illicit sex despite attempts by past ministers to discourage this trend.But since the coming of the President Mohammadu Buhari-led Change government, it seems the various profits made in hotspots are facing setback as patrons are finding it difficult to continue to patronise them.Places like Wuse Zone 4, located in the city center, which connects the rest of Abuja to strategic places such Shehu Musa YarAdua centre, Shoprite, arts and culture village amongst others also see the presence of a motel just before the Zone 4 bridge which has made it almost impossible for the past administrations to stop the menace as it became home to ladies of easy virtue. But LEADERSHIP findings revealed that the case is different because the patronage has reduced abysmally.Also, Kubwa is the fastest growing satellite town in the FCT, with hotels everywhere in this part of Abuja. There is presently no street in kubwa without two or more hotels. Besides, the presence of beer parlours, lounges have greatly encouraged the business of commercial sex, like Movida popularly called Woman boku, a phrase in Pidgin English which means plenty women. This is the most notorious place in Kubwa for commercial sex as it plays home to young women from all parts of the country who are out to make quick money through prostitution.But are they still enjoying that patronage' A resident who simply wants to be known as Emeka said the change government has affected those patronizing the sex workers because according to him,only a man that has extra money or has eaten very well would think of patronising a prostituteBut for Eden Garden, adjacent to the cozy Chida International Hotel, situated at Augustus Aikhomu Street, Utako District, Abuja, is one of the citys glamorous relaxation spots called Gardens and bar. The place attracts a nightly throng of girls of easy virtue, on the excuse of its cut-rate rent and stable scarce energy supply.From enjoying life band, suya, shawama, fish, drinks (alcohol and soft) to games like table tennis, snooker and live television matches, there are a few available conventional facilities at the Garden, for leisure. Usually, before the present administration, the place was a hotbed for prostitution, but since the coming of the change administration, hardly would one see a large number of them.At Jabi Masalaci, another district in the FCT known for cheap prostitutes known as washing and setting, the case has changed as many patrons are complaining of lack of money to satisfy their urge. LEADERSHIP findings revealed that most men who patronise the joint hardly go there to ease their tension, but just to take a local gin called shekpe.The case is not different at Lagos Street, Garki and Gwarimpa where patrons are scarcely seen bargaining with these girls and women who ply their trade on the streets.LagosThe joint was known as one of the bubbling spot for prostitution were all manner of women ply their trades in reckless abandonment.At night, the social life in Lagos glows as different relaxation spots attract men and women from different works of life. Also women of easy virtue are also seen at some major streets along Allen Avenue, in front of Peckers, off Toyin Street, Ikeja and some strategic locations. But business seemed not to be booming like before.Kim is a lady in her late 20s loaded with rich features on the upper region of her body. According to her, shes a native of Kaduna and only relocated to Lagos for greener pastures and in need of a job.However, months after she came to Lagos and not able to get a good job, she could only settle for a small room in a small motel in Ikeja where she satisfies the wants of men seeking for cheap sex. She hoped to get a better accommodation and do small business after realizing the money needed for the business and for rent. But in view of the economic downturn, the reality is that she may not be able to leave prostitution which is termed runs in the local parlance. She may never realize the money required to start a petty trading or business.The cycle goes on and on for women of easy virtues. It has been the stock in trade of some young ladies to throw decency and morality to the gutters because of the inability to be employed and greed. Some relocate from their homes in different parts of the country to leave in brothels in different parts of Lagos.Investigation done by our correspondents show brothels in places like Ketu, Egbeda and other suburbs of Lagos habour girls who charge a minimum of N1000 (one thousand naira) for short time (quick sex) N5000 for having fun all through the night. In Ikeja area of Lagos, prostitutes living in bars/brothels charge a minimum of N3000. But the number of customers has reduced unlike before.Regina, a fair young lady who plies her trade within a brothel along Ikorodu road axis said, Bros, market bad oh as we dont have customers like before. And I didnt want this change oh. We girls are finding it hard to pay the weekly rent of five thousand naira. I get as low as two customers per day and six if I am lucky. Its not funny. We even beg men to patronize us. If I had something else to do I would have quitted, but Im trying to save some money to relocate to my home in Akwa-Ibom and do small business.But Ive not been able to even save some money. Except I find a good Samaritan who likes me or market turns out for good before the year runs out, I will not be able to achieve anything in my plan. God help us oh.Unemployment Blamed For Inducing Prostitution, CrimeThe rate of unemployment in the country may have made prostitutes out of many as seen in the urban areas of the country. Along the road that leads to Lekki beach, shanties still exist where ladies put up to ply their trade. Lagos indeed receives people daily from different corners of the country who come to earn a living. The ladies are lured to exchange the pleasure of their bodies for money. Many of these women are seen at the Lekki beach shanties where there they charge a paltry amount for sex. A lady called Irene bared her mind when our corresponded sought her attention.She said, I came from my village to Lagos more than a year ago from people promising to get me a job but I couldnt get one for the first eight months here. Someone told me I could make money if I am wise enough. I was curious to know the trade; the friend of my benefactor told me I could make as much as twenty thousand naira in a month if I patronize men who will pay to have sex with me.At first I refused but the reality of hunger and being stranded in this Lagos made to consider this trade with the hope that Ill quit if I can make enough money to start some business. Now I cant see myself stopping because Im enjoying it and the things are now expensive.
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