Calabar: As the day winds down in Calabar, with heavy traffic and people hurrying home after work, a new kind of life begins-especially in areas like Marian Road, where food joints and clubs with loud music spring to life, inviting residents to relax before heading home. At the center of this nightlife is Daniel Iboro, a former street child who now earns a living as a disc jockey in one of the city’s popular nightclubs.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Daniel, at 13, became a street child around the Bogobiri area of Calabar. His life on the streets began in 2017 after conflicts with his father. With nowhere else to go, he turned to the streets, hoping for food and freedom. But both proved elusive because the streets had their own systems and ‘government.’ Despite the challenges, Daniel persisted, appealing to be enrolled in school, which endeared him to Street Priest Incorporated, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that helps street children in vulnerable situations.
Similarly, God’s-gift Meyene found refuge with Street Priest Incorporated after running away from home due to family neglect. While Daniel and God’s-gift were fortunate to find help, many others like Bassey Henshaw and David Etim remain on the streets, struggling to survive amidst violence and neglect.
Mr. William Okina, Senior Director of Development at Street Priest Incorporated, noted the organization’s efforts to rehabilitate street children. He explained that the group can only assist a few children based on available resources and the children’s willingness to leave the streets. The complex issue of street children in vulnerable situations remains a significant problem in many Nigerian cities, with cultural and systemic challenges exacerbating the situation.
While various frameworks exist to protect children’s rights, including the Child Rights Act enacted in Nigeria in 2003, implementation has been largely ineffective. Despite previous efforts by the government to address the issue, sustainable solutions remain elusive. Mr. Kebe Ikpi, Coordinator of the Child Protection Network (CPN) in Cross River, emphasized the need for a family-centered approach and greater political will to implement existing laws and frameworks effectively.
The efforts of Street Priest Incorporated and similar organizations underscore the need for coordinated action between government and civil society to address the root causes of child neglect and exploitation. While challenges persist, organizations like Street Priest Incorporated continue to provide hope and opportunities for some of Calabar’s most vulnerable children.