Samuel Adeniyi, 19, who sold plastic waste to fund tiling tools, receives over N8m in cash and scholarships after going viral online

A 19-year-old Nigerian boy, Samuel Adeniyi, who gained national attention for selling plastic waste and cartons to raise money for tiling equipment, has received an education scholarship and more than N8 million in donations from Nigerians.

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Samuel’s story was shared with content creator Bayuztv on Tuesday, drawing widespread sympathy and prompting viewers to support his efforts to acquire tools for his trade.

The teenager, seen carrying sacks of discarded plastic and cartons, revealed that he learned tiling at 17 and has been unable to fully pursue his craft due to lack of equipment.

“I need money to buy my work tools. Tiling work, I learnt it at 17. I couldn’t celebrate my freedom from the job because there was no money. I need a cutting machine, a mallet, and a knife. I make N1,000 to N2,000 from a sack that I bring here,” Samuel said.

Moved by Samuel’s determination, Bayuztv immediately took him for a haircut, helped him change into clean clothes, and bought him a meal. He later gifted Samuel a tiling cutting machine, a new phone, and N50,000 to help cover other personal needs.

Samuel also introduced the interviewer to his mother, who shared the family’s struggles. She explained that her husband is absent and revealed her prayer for help in reviving her palm oil business, which had previously failed.

“I have been praying to God to help me. In December, I specifically told Him that if He helps me provide for my family, I will praise Him forever.

I need like N200,000 to N300,000 to restart my palm oil business that previously crashed,” she said.

The content creator later returned with N1 million in cash and additional food items valued at about N700,000 for Samuel’s mother.

Bayuztv also announced that Samuel had received more than N8 million in donations and scholarships covering his education from secondary school to university level.

Both Samuel and his mother expressed overwhelming joy, rolling on the floor in celebration and thanking Nigerians for their generous support.

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The story has highlighted the impact of community support and the power of viral social media in transforming lives.