The current state of the Nigerian economy reflects a harsh reality of “the survival of the fittest” where only the strongest survive. In bustling cities like Lagos, even children are not exempt from the struggle for survival as most of them are exposed to “street hawking”, as alarming as it is.

Children, who are supposed to be in school learning and playing with their peers, are instead sent out for street hawking. They are made to hawk goods on the streets, toiling rigorously to supplement the income of their parents and guardians.

It is particularly shocking to discover that many of these parents and guardians do not work at all. Instead, they choose to have large families, remaining at home while waiting for their children to return with money earned from street hawking. The bitter truth is that it is often those who can barely provide for themselves who end up having more children, thereby subjecting these innocents, who had no part in their birth, to the harsh realities of life far too early.

Most of these children upon being interviewed are discovered to be very intelligent and, if given the right opportunities and education, would turn out to be champions in whatever field they decide to venture into, but unfortunately, they are denied the opportunity and instead pushed out to fend for themselves by the ones who are meant to fend for them.

The risks faced by these children are numerous. It is common to see them navigating busy traffic, trying to persuade passengers in various vehicles to purchase their goods. At times, they chase after fast-moving cars, either to sell their wares or to collect payment for items already sold. This dangerous behaviour puts them at risk of being struck by oncoming vehicles or becoming victims of fraud with counterfeit money.

Kidnapping is another significant threat these children face. In their quest to meet sales targets, they may enter unfamiliar areas where they can easily fall prey to kidnappers, lured under the guise of making a purchase. Additionally, they are vulnerable to sexual exploitation and other harmful activities on the streets, which can lead some to become involved in crime, further deteriorating the state of society.

It is imperative that parents, the government, and various non-governmental organizations address this issue with urgency. Parents must be educated about the importance of family planning and the necessity of having only as many children as they can support. Sending children out to fend for themselves is not a viable solution. Taking steps to alleviate this problem is crucial for the betterment of society.

Children are the leaders of tomorrow, and providing them with a nurturing environment today will help pave the way for a brighter future. A commitment to their well-being can lead to the emergence of capable leaders who will ultimately contribute positively to society.