Empty Bellies, Broken Dreams: The Heartbreaking Struggle of Lagos’ Homeless and Hungry Children
Lagos: a city so wide, you could get lost chasing your dreams. Skyscrapers pierce the clouds, symbols of a booming economy. But Lagos wears two faces, it ain’t all sunshine and skyscrapers. It’s a double-sided coin, this city — exciting and exhausting in equal measure.
Lagos child hunger, poverty in Lagos, homeless children in Nigeria, hunger crisis in Nigeria — these are the harsh realities that plague countless children on the streets of Lagos.
Eko o ni baje (Lagos will not spoil), the city’s motto, feels like a cruel joke to these innocent souls. Malnourished children, with ragged clothes hanging loosely on their frail frames, haunt the bustling streets — Oshodi, Yaba, Carter Bridge — their eyes pleading for scraps from passersby.
Street-begging children in Lagos are a constant sight. Some cling to their mothers, their bony hands outstretched, a silent plea for a morsel to quiet the gnawing emptiness in their stomachs. Others, even younger, fend for themselves, utterly alone and vulnerable.
These are Lagos’ forgotten ones. Cardboard box homes, the unforgiving Lagos night, and the ever-present rumble of hunger are their grim companions. Daylight brings a renewed struggle — the relentless search for food.
Lagosians rush by, some hardened by the daily fight for survival, others turning away in helpless despair. But imagine your own child, the grumbling tummy when they miss a meal. Now, imagine that hunger as a constant companion, a dull ache that never fades.
Children on the streets of Lagos dream too. They dream of steaming plates of jollof rice, the comforting taste of beans, and agege bread. They dream of a safe haven, a place to sleep soundly, a place to call home.
Street child hunger in Nigeria is a national issue, but in Lagos, the city of abundance overflowing with markets, the contrast is particularly stark. These children fight hunger amidst plenty.
How can we help hungry children in Lagos? We all have a part to play. Donate to charities that provide food and shelter to these vulnerable children. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference.
The next time you see a child begging, don’t just walk on by. A kind word, a small gesture of generosity, can offer a glimmer of hope in their day.
Lagos, a city of hustlers and dreamers, thrives on its collective energy. But let’s not forget our shared humanity. Let’s not let the Eko oni baje slogan be a hollow promise for these children.
Eradicating child hunger in Lagos requires a united effort. Let’s ensure that no child goes to bed with an empty stomach. Let’s create a Lagos where every child has the chance to dream, grow, and reach their full potential. They are the future of Lagos, let’s not let their hunger dim the bright lights of this great city.
