Community News
Edo hairstylist with a heart of gold, offers free haircuts for children till Dec 1
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
30 Aug 2025 04:32 PM
Benin, Edo – In a heartwarming gesture of community service, a local barber named Emmanuel Aigbe, is providing free haircuts to children at his beauty and barbing salon, at 40 stadium road, in Benin City.
Since July 2025, Aigbe has been providing free haircuts to children from struggling families, an initiative set to continue until December 1, 2025.
This selfless act, born from a single mother’s plea, is not only easing financial burdens but also restoring smiles and confidence to countless children.
The story began with a moment that changed everything for Aigbe. A woman entered his modest barbershop, her child in tow, and humbly asked for a free haircut, explaining she couldn’t afford the standard ₦1,000 fee.
Her vulnerability struck a chord with Aigbe, who saw in her struggle a reflection of the broader economic hardship gripping many families in Benin City.
“Something in me told me what is N1000 or N1,500 that I can't sacrifice for the child?, so I cut the hair for free.
"After they left, I decided to continue because I knew there were others like her.” Aigbe shared in an exclusive interview with this online newspaper
Inspired by this encounter, Aigbe launched his free haircut program, targeting children whose parents are stretched thin by rising costs.
In a country where inflation has made even basic services like haircuts a luxury for some, his initiative is a lifeline, ensuring kids can look and feel their best without adding to their families’ financial woes.
Aigbe’s generosity might have remained a quiet act of kindness had it not been for a citizen journalist, Osazee Edigin who witnessed his work and shared it with the world.
"This month (September) makes it two months that I've been doing this. Though it's not easy but the prayers, the love, the encouragement especially from the children was just much;
"So, I say let me try my possible best to extend it to December 1", Aigbe noted
In Benin City, where cultural pride in grooming runs deep, a neat haircut is more than just a service—it’s a source of dignity and identity. Aigbe’s barbershop, adorned with posters of trendy styles like low fades, cornrows, and Afros, has become a sanctuary for children who might otherwise go without.
The initiative’s impact goes beyond appearances. By easing the financial strain on families, Aigbe is helping parents redirect limited resources to essentials like food and school supplies especially for resumption in the new term.
Aigbe’s story, amplified by the citizen journalist, has sparked a broader conversation about community support in tough times.
As December 1, 2025, approaches, Emmanuel Aigbe remains steadfast, clipper in hand, welcoming children daily while balancing his regular clientele.
His barbershop located right opposite second freedom junction in the edo state capital, is more than a place of business—it’s a testament to what one person can do when moved by empathy.
"The country Nigeria, now it's not easy for everyone and I understand it", Aigbe said, highlighting economic hardship faced by some parents
This is a story of heart, hustle, and hope—a reminder that in Benin City, and beyond, kindness cuts deeper than any blade.
Since July 2025, Aigbe has been providing free haircuts to children from struggling families, an initiative set to continue until December 1, 2025.
This selfless act, born from a single mother’s plea, is not only easing financial burdens but also restoring smiles and confidence to countless children.
The story began with a moment that changed everything for Aigbe. A woman entered his modest barbershop, her child in tow, and humbly asked for a free haircut, explaining she couldn’t afford the standard ₦1,000 fee.
Her vulnerability struck a chord with Aigbe, who saw in her struggle a reflection of the broader economic hardship gripping many families in Benin City.
“Something in me told me what is N1000 or N1,500 that I can't sacrifice for the child?, so I cut the hair for free.
"After they left, I decided to continue because I knew there were others like her.” Aigbe shared in an exclusive interview with this online newspaper
Inspired by this encounter, Aigbe launched his free haircut program, targeting children whose parents are stretched thin by rising costs.
In a country where inflation has made even basic services like haircuts a luxury for some, his initiative is a lifeline, ensuring kids can look and feel their best without adding to their families’ financial woes.
Aigbe’s generosity might have remained a quiet act of kindness had it not been for a citizen journalist, Osazee Edigin who witnessed his work and shared it with the world.
"This month (September) makes it two months that I've been doing this. Though it's not easy but the prayers, the love, the encouragement especially from the children was just much;
"So, I say let me try my possible best to extend it to December 1", Aigbe noted
In Benin City, where cultural pride in grooming runs deep, a neat haircut is more than just a service—it’s a source of dignity and identity. Aigbe’s barbershop, adorned with posters of trendy styles like low fades, cornrows, and Afros, has become a sanctuary for children who might otherwise go without.
The initiative’s impact goes beyond appearances. By easing the financial strain on families, Aigbe is helping parents redirect limited resources to essentials like food and school supplies especially for resumption in the new term.
Aigbe’s story, amplified by the citizen journalist, has sparked a broader conversation about community support in tough times.
As December 1, 2025, approaches, Emmanuel Aigbe remains steadfast, clipper in hand, welcoming children daily while balancing his regular clientele.
His barbershop located right opposite second freedom junction in the edo state capital, is more than a place of business—it’s a testament to what one person can do when moved by empathy.
"The country Nigeria, now it's not easy for everyone and I understand it", Aigbe said, highlighting economic hardship faced by some parents
This is a story of heart, hustle, and hope—a reminder that in Benin City, and beyond, kindness cuts deeper than any blade.
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