In 1969, Elvis Presley released the song ‘In the Ghetto,’ later popularized by Candi Staton. The lyrics depict the tragic, inescapable path of a child born into impoverished conditions who eventually turns to crime and violence, only to be replaced by another child born into the same circumstances. The song serves as a poignant reminder of our collective failure to address the plight of those growing up in neglect.
In Nigeria, many children are visible on the streets, begging rather than attending school. These youth, deprived of guidance and opportunity, are being shaped by the harsh realities of the streets, making their eventual descent into criminal behavior highly predictable. While many observers ignore the situation or remain overwhelmed, some leaders avoid responsibility, and others actively exploit this social dysfunction for personal, religious, or cultural gain.
Recently, Kano State announced a plan to spend 1.5 billion Naira to facilitate mass weddings for three thousand youths, providing furniture and cash to the couples. This initiative focuses on managing sexual activity rather than addressing the root causes of poverty or social instability. Investing these funds into education, job training, or employment would have provided a more sustainable future for the participants.
Marriage is a significant responsibility requiring maturity and financial stability, not just the facilitation of unions. By promoting mass marriage without providing paths to economic independence, the state risks creating a future generation of children who lack proper care and resources. Failing to plan for the welfare of these families will likely exacerbate the very cycles of poverty and insecurity that currently plague the nation.