By Sadiya Abubakar Tarfa
Children born into poverty face a harsh reality from the very beginning of life. Malnutrition is widespread, affecting physical growth and brain development. The Global Hunger Index consistently ranks Nigeria among countries with serious hunger challenges. A malnourished child is less likely to perform well in school, more likely to fall ill, and less prepared to contribute meaningfully to society in the future.
Poverty remains one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges, but its burden does not fall evenly on all citizens. Women and children bear the heaviest weight, facing daily struggles that affect their health, education, dignity, and future. In a country where over 60 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, the consequences of poverty are not just economic—they are deeply human and generational.
For many Nigerian women, poverty is both a cause and a consequence of exclusion. Limited access to quality education, skills training, and decent employment opportunities traps millions of women in a cycle of dependence. In rural and urban poor communities alike, women often rely on informal and low-paying activities such as petty trading, domestic work, or subsistence farming. While these efforts help families survive, they rarely provide enough income to break free from poverty.
Economic hardship also exposes women to exploitation and abuse. Financial dependence reduces their ability to make decisions, leave unsafe environments, or invest in their personal development. When women lack economic power, their voices are weakened—both in the home and in society. This inequality is not only unjust; it has serious consequences for national development.
The health implications of poverty on Nigerian women are equally alarming. Limited access to healthcare, especially in rural areas, continues to endanger women’s lives. Maternal mortality remains one of Nigeria’s darkest statistics. According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, 562 women die per 100,000 live births. These deaths are often preventable, caused by poor medical facilities, lack of skilled birth attendants, and unaffordable healthcare costs. Poverty, in this sense, becomes a death sentence for many women.
Children born into poverty face a harsh reality from the very beginning of life. Malnutrition is widespread, affecting physical growth and brain development. The Global Hunger Index consistently ranks Nigeria among countries with serious hunger challenges. A malnourished child is less likely to perform well in school, more likely to fall ill, and less prepared to contribute meaningfully to society in the future.
Education, which should be a pathway out of poverty, remains out of reach for millions of Nigerian children. UNICEF estimates that over 10 million children are out of school, many of them from poor households. For families struggling to survive, education becomes a luxury rather than a right. Girls are especially affected, as they are often withdrawn from school to help with household chores or forced into early marriage.
Child labour is another painful outcome of poverty. Millions of Nigerian children are engaged in street hawking, farm labour, domestic work, and other hazardous activities. The National Bureau of Statistics estimates that over 15 million children are involved in child labour. These children are denied their childhood and exposed to violence, abuse, and exploitation—all in the name of survival.
The long-term effects of this reality are devastating. A society that neglects its women and children undermines its own future. Poverty fuels inequality, insecurity, and underdevelopment. When women are disempowered and children are denied education and protection, economic growth becomes unsustainable.
Addressing poverty among women and children must therefore be a national priority, not a side issue. The government must go beyond policy statements to practical action. Economic empowerment programmes targeted at women—such as access to credit, vocational training, and decent jobs—can transform families and communities. Educated and economically empowered women are more likely to invest in their children’s health and education.
Improving access to affordable healthcare and quality education is equally critical. Strengthening public schools, expanding primary healthcare centres, and supporting maternal and child health services will save lives and secure the future. Social safety nets, including cash transfers and food assistance, can provide immediate relief to the most vulnerable households while long-term solutions take shape.
Investing in Nigerian women and children is not an act of charity; it is an investment in national progress. Until poverty is confronted with seriousness and compassion, Nigeria will continue to struggle with inequality and instability. The future of the nation depends on how it treats its most vulnerable today.
Sadiya Abubakar Tarfa is a Public Affairs Analyst.
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IMPOUNDED VEHICLES FOR SALE IN A CHEAP AND AFFORDABLE AUCTION PRICE
WE have BEGING THE ONLION Auctioning OF SEIZED ITEM'S
.ITEMS UP F0R AUCTI0N
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2.BAGS 0F RICE
3.BAGS 0F C E M E N T
4.VEGETABLE 0IL
5.M0TORCYCLES
6.TRICYCLE
7.BALE OF CL0THES
8.INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINES
9. INSTALLMENTAL PAYMENT IS FULL ALLOWED WITH A MINIMUM PERIOD OF 3 MONTHS AND A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF 9 MONTHS!!!
INTERESTED BUYERS SHOULD
CONTACT THE STATE AUCTIONEER.
CUSTOM OFFICER GABRIEL ESHIEMOMOH VIA :- O80✓6739✓9O9O
RICE AVAILABLE FOR SALES ARE :-
Royal umbrella=18,000
Mama Gold=20,000
Royal stallion=18,000
Rising sun=18,000
Special rice=18,000
Mama Africa=18,000
Elephant Gold=18,000
Caprice =20,000
Gallon of oil =9,500
NOTE: TRANSPORTATION CHARGES IS (#1000) which must be paid before we ensure your delivery.
~INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINES
BROTHER INDUSTRIAL #1OO,000
JUKI INDUSTRIAL #95000
EMEL INDUSTRIAL. #95000
SINGER INDUSTRIAL AND MORE
!!CALL NIGERIA Cust0m Service FOR ANY OTHER PRODUCT'S AND YEAR'S!!
SOME CAR LIST BELOW.
Golf 2 3 4 350k __ 500k
TOKUNBO CARS BELOW :�
2008 Corolla Sport 1m
2010 Corolla Sport 1.970m
2012 Corolla Sport 2.980m
Awoof 2009 Lexus RX350 1.5m
2013 Camry XLE – Back Vent AC – V4 – 1.580m
2001 Camry N280k
2003 Camry N520k
2005 Camry LE .680k
2015 Matrix 1.7m
2008 Toyota Camry 1.3m
2012 Camry Sport 2.850m
2014 Rav4 Sport N2.8m
2016 Honda pilot EX 2.4m
2012 Benz E320 N2.4m
1999 Sienna 150k
2006 Lexus RX300 1m
Pegeout 406 Manual AC 720k
2012 Honda CRV EX 2.850m
O15 Honda Accord 2million
2011 Corolla XLE – Alloy + Formica 2.850m
2015 Toyota LandCruiser 3m
2010 Corolla LE 1.8m
2016 RX350 4.1m with Mouse
2018 RX350 5.8m with mouse
202O Toyota Tacoma 6.8m
2013 Avalon Thumbstart 2.5m
2012 Avalon key 2.1m
2012 Pointiac Vibes 2.8m
2011 Benz E230 N2.4m
2017 Sienna CE 2.980m
2016 Sienna XLE 2.550m
2016 Corolla Sport 3.5m
2010 Camry LE 2.350m
2011 Camry LE 2.4m
2018 Lexus GX460 5.4m
2015 Lexus ES350 .4m
2010 Corolla Manual N1.580m
2018 Acura MDX 4.6m
018 Benz C300 3m
017 Benz GL450 5.3m
2018 Benz GL550 5.8m
OI8 Benz GLS 3.8M
2O2O Benz Gls 4.6mill
2006 Rav4 .850k
Awoof 08 Pilot N.750k
2008 Pilot 800k EX
2009 Highlander sport 2.8m
2018 Highlander Limited 3.2m
2012 Rav4 EX Rev Camera + Thumbstart@ 2m
08 Honda Accord N890k
2012 Camry XLE .2m V4
2013 Honda Accord 2.m
2015 Honda Accord N3m
2013 Matrix N1m80k
2012 Honda CRV 900k
2003 Honda Element 550k
2008 Camry 990k
2016 Honda Ridgeline 2.6m
2014 Camry LE 2.750m
2013 Ford Edge SEL 2.9m
2014 Ford Edge SEL .3m
Fresh like toks 2013 Benz E200 N3m
2012 Rav4 1.9m
2014 Kia Cerato 2.m
2015 Benz GLK350 3.5m
2015 Range Rover evogue 6.650m
OI8 Range Rover evogue 8mill
2O2O Range Rover evogue 10m
OI8 Range Rover sports 6.8M
2006 Quest 850k
2008 Kia Rio 800k
2012 Camry Xle 1.680m
O12 Venza .2million
2O22 GX460-N8M
2O14 Venza 3M
2O18 Corolla N6m
O2O LandCruiser 6m
2OI8 LandCruiser 3.9mill
2O2O Prado N5.2m
2OI8 Prado 4mill
2O20 Rav4 N6.2M
2O20 g-wagon N35M
2O21 Hilux 6.8M
OI8 HILUX 3.6m
2O18 Bus 5.850M
Tipper Head 8M
TOKUNBO CARS ABOVE :�