From Street Hawker to Fashion Model: Nigerian Boy's Viral Video Leads to Life-Changing Contract
A young Nigerian boy named Quadri has experienced a remarkable transformation, moving from hawking soft drinks on the streets to becoming a signed fashion model after his emotional story captured hearts online. His journey from hardship to hope began when a content creator's viral video changed the trajectory of his life forever.
The Viral Encounter That Started It All
Quadri's life took an unexpected turn when content creator and philanthropist bayuztv spotted him hawking soft drinks and water by the roadside under the scorching sun. During their conversation, Quadri revealed he had dropped out of school during the COVID-19 pandemic while in junior secondary school due to his family's financial struggles.
"My mom did not have much money that time. That is when I started selling nose masks. When there is COVID, so since then I didn't go to school I stopped at JSS 3," Quadri explained in the emotional video that would soon spread across social media platforms.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Revelation
After bayuztv decided to help Quadri, the young boy introduced the content creator to his family. Quadri's mother, a divorcee, tearfully shared the challenges her son had faced while trying to support the family through his small-scale street trading.
"There is one day that mother hit Quadri beside him. He said he was doing all these because of me, because of everybody. He started selling nose masks during COVID. He would come home and give me money. To me and his sisters. At that age, he was very small," the emotional mother recounted, highlighting her son's early responsibilities.
The Life-Changing Modeling Contract
Quadri's inspiring story eventually reached popular Nigerian socialite and entrepreneur Yhemo Lee, who was deeply moved by the young boy's circumstances and resilience. Recognizing the opportunity to make a real difference, Yhemo Lee decided to welcome Quadri into his fashion brand, YL Collectives, with a one-year modeling contract.
"When I watch video and I dey hear people say them dey cry, it is beyond you are doing. You are inspiring other people," Yhemo Lee told bayuztv about the viral video's impact.
To Quadri, he offered both opportunity and encouragement: "We want to onboard you as our model. From here, international agents may see you to come and be doing fashion week. Things like that." As a gesture of goodwill, Yhemo Lee also gifted Quadri a pair of shoes reportedly worth over a thousand dollars.
The Ripple Effect of Viral Kindness
This heartwarming story represents more than just one boy's good fortune. It demonstrates how social media can connect people across socioeconomic divides and create opportunities where none seemed possible. Bayuztv's initial act of kindness—stopping to talk with a street hawker—set in motion a chain of events that transformed Quadri's life prospects.
The transformation has been documented in multiple viral videos that have inspired widespread reactions online, with many viewers expressing both empathy for Quadri's difficult circumstances and joy at his newfound opportunity. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential that exists within Nigeria's youth when given proper support and opportunity.
Quadri's journey from street hawker to fashion model continues to inspire conversations about education access, child labor, and the transformative power of social media when used for positive change. As he begins his modeling career with YL Collectives, many are watching with hope that this represents just the beginning of brighter days for Quadri and his family.
