Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator for TikTok, died in Nairobi after two years without being able to return home. Her colleagues mourned her, citing poor working conditions and mental health challenges in the tech industry. Teleperformance Kenya denied accusations of denying leave to Olubunmi, while her family faces financial difficulties regarding her burial.
In Nairobi, technology workers gathered on Tuesday to honor Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator for TikTok, who passed away under unclear circumstances after being unable to visit her home for two years. Her body was discovered in her residence three days after her death. Colleagues reported that she had been experiencing fatigue and expressed a profound desire to return home.
The cause of her death remains undetermined, and Teleperformance Kenya did not respond to inquiries from The Associated Press regarding the situation. Although the company labeled claims that Olubunmi was denied leave as “baseless and untrue,” her colleagues discussed the challenging working conditions encountered by content moderators in subcontracted roles.
Many former content moderators, including over 100 from a past case against Facebook, have reported insufficient pay, absent mental health resources, extensive work hours, and intimidation. Attendees of the vigil remarked that the adverse work environment might have influenced Olubunmi’s decline.
Kauna Malgwi, a friend of Olubunmi’s, noted that over 100 Nigerians working for Teleperformance have lacked work permits for two years, which has hindered their ability to return home despite having annual travel benefits.
Olubunmi’s family learned of her passing a day after her body was found, following a notification from Teleperformance to her brother regarding her death. They were provided with the contact details of Kenyan officials for further information, autopsy, and burial arrangements. Malgwi indicated that due to financial constraints, the family might seek assistance from Olubunmi’s church in Nairobi for her burial plans.
The vigil in Nairobi highlights the pressing issues surrounding the treatment of content moderators, particularly in Kenya, where insufficient working conditions may lead to dire consequences. Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi’s tragic death underscores the urgency for improvement in the labor practices of subcontracted tech companies, as well as the need for mental health support and fair working conditions for all employees. Moving forward, it is essential that industry stakeholders address these issues to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Original Source: www.ksat.com
