The culture of begging for survival among vulnerable children continues to rise, largely due to government policies that deepen poverty and widen the gap between the rich and the poor. These policies have consistently failed to address the urgent needs of children living on the streets, leaving them without shelter, education, or hope.
For many of these children, the street is not just a place they visit — it is their entire world. They sleep on benches, in open spaces, and navigate life through begging and scavenging. While a few kind-hearted individuals may offer occasional gifts or food, these acts only provide temporary relief. What is often ignored is the deeper issue: these children possess untapped talents — skills and potential that, if developed, could greatly contribute to the growth and transformation of Nigeria.
The question everyone must ask is: Are there untapped talents buried in these children? How can such talents be discovered, nurtured, and transformed into tools for national development?
Leaving these talents undeveloped and neglected will not only waste human potential but also breed future social problems. When society turns a blind eye, these children become vulnerable to recruitment by criminal gangs, cults, and extremist groups. If they are initiated into such dangerous paths due to neglect, can we truly say our society is safe? Will this not fuel insecurity and instability across Nigeria?
The lives of these children are a reflection of a systemic failure — but they can also become a beacon of national redemption if we act now. Investing in their future is not charity; it is a necessity for a secure, productive, and inclusive Nigeria.
