Colleagues Mourn Nigerian Content Moderator Following Tragic Death in Kenya

Kenyan technology workers held a vigil for Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator who died under unclear circumstances after being unable to return home for two years. Teleperformance Kenya has denied claims regarding her denied leave. Concerns over poor working conditions for subcontracted moderators have emerged, with many calling for better support and compensation.

In Nairobi, technology professionals gathered to honor Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator for TikTok, whose untimely death sparked concern. Olubunmi, who had not returned to her home in Nigeria for two years, was discovered deceased in her residence after three days. The cause of her death remains unknown, though colleagues mentioned her expressed desire to return home and her complaints of fatigue.

Teleperformance Kenya, the firm employing Olubunmi, has declined to comment on the situation except for a statement dismissing claims of her being denied leave as “baseless and untrue.” This incident raises significant concerns regarding the working conditions faced by subcontracted content moderators, characterized by inadequate compensation, insufficient mental health support, long hours, and intimidation.

Further complicating the matter, over 100 former Facebook content moderators have taken legal action against the company for poor wages and working environments. During the vigil for Olubunmi, her peers emphasized that deteriorating work conditions may have played a role in her tragic demise.

Kauna Malgwi, a close friend, highlighted that many Nigerians at Teleperformance have faced barriers, such as lack of work permits, preventing their travel home even with annual return ticket benefits. Following the discovery of her body, Olubunmi’s family was contacted and informed of her passing.

Unfortunately, her family is unable to afford repatriating her body. They are now contemplating requesting assistance from her church in Nairobi for burial arrangements.

The tragic death of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi has prompted a significant response from her colleagues, highlighting the distressing working conditions in the tech industry for subcontracted content moderators. The call for better working environments, including mental health support and fair compensation, underscores the urgent need for reform within this sector. As more individuals advocate for change, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all technology workers.

Original Source: www.ksat.com