Nigeria: Saving the Orphan

Nigeria: Saving the Orphan

19 June 2009

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editorial

A recent research conducted by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said that there are an estimated 17.5 million Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in the country.

This represents about 25 percent of the nation's population figure of 140 million citizens. The research which covered 2006 to 2008, also took note of abandoned children, street urchins and children orphaned by the dreaded HIV/AIDS disease, among others.

The report came barely few days after the country observed May 27, a date set aside by the United Nations to commemorate children and youth highlight the plight of this crucial part of the population. Similarly, it came as the country celebrated the 2009 'Day of the African child', which was observed on June 16 across the continent, to remember the tragic events which took place in Soweto, South Africa where dozens of children were massacred in 1976 by the apartheid regime for demanding their rights to education. Indeed, over the years, the Nigerian government's commitment to the plight of children, particularly those vulnerable in the society seem to in consistent decline. For instance, government policies and programmes which are geared towards youth development such as the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), among others end up being mere paperwork without implementation. This is because those in authority lack the political will to do so. That is why, we feel the figure quoted by the federal ministry of women affairs is an understatement going by the growing trend of children roaming the streets of most Nigerian cities today..

The proliferation of the 'almajiri' syndrome in northern part of the country, the 'Area boys' in south- west and south - south are clear demonstration of a failed system. Neither the federal nor the states and local government council have given any consideration to the welfare of the Nigerian child. Similarly, the poor socio- economic situation in the country has affected the Nigerian child adversely; with those whose parent lose their job being the worse for it.

The Nigerian parents also have their own share of the blame. It is absurd that some parents have failed to live to their responsibility of caring for their wards; thus abandoning them to their fate. In most cases, parents residing in urban cities go into the hinterland to pick children, mostly of their relations and convert them to house-helps in the city. Recent records from the National Agency for the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) revealed high volume of child trafficking from the rural to urban centres, a phenomenon attributed to the present socio-economic reality in the country. These children, according to NAPTIP are subjected to hard labour and all sorts of abuse. They are also being denied access to education, good healthcare and good nutrition by their 'captives'.

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The HIV/AIDS pandemic has also made the situation worse, leaving thousands of children orphaned, thus leading them to poverty, exploitation and exclusions. Today, an average Nigerian child lacks basic education, adequate primary health care, and a balanced diet, and good home, thus making it difficult for government to achieve the much- talk about Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It is on this premise that we call on government at all levels to give priority to the protection of the Nigerian child, especially those orphaned by certain socio- economic conditions. Governments should also establish more rehabilitation and orphanage centres, while the existing ones are renovated and equipped to properly cater for the needs of the physically challenged and mentally retarded children. Parents on the other hand must live up to expectation in the upkeep of their wards; and not to allow the pursuit of wealth to jeopardise this onerous responsibility. This is the only way we can guarantee that this nation will continue to produce its successor generation that is equipped for the challenges of their age.