Millions of Nigerian Boys Left to Suffer on the Streets: Former Minister of Interior Aregbesola Warns of National Crisis
Former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola has issued a stark warning about the growing neglect of the African boy child in Nigeria, highlighting it as a critical child protection and safeguarding issue. Speaking at the AfriCultural Fashion Show and Awards in Abuja, Aregbesola emphasized that millions of boys across the country face extreme societal pressures without adequate support, putting their well-being, education, and future prospects at serious risk.
According to Aregbesola, boys are often expected to become strong, responsible adults while being denied emotional, educational, and economic support. Many are forced into adult responsibilities prematurely, abandoning schooling to provide for their families.
This neglect has left countless boys exposed to vulnerabilities such as exploitation, street labor, begging, and involvement in informal economies just to survive. He noted that approximately twenty million out-of-school boys roam villages, towns, and cities, a situation that threatens not only their personal development but also the country’s long-term stability.
Aregbesola stressed that failure to address these challenges could push neglected youths toward crime, substance abuse, or unsafe migration as a means of escape. He called for urgent government and societal action, advocating for free, quality education from elementary to pre-degree levels and affordable university access. He urged citizens to hold authorities accountable for ensuring these safeguards are in place, framing education as a fundamental social investment crucial to protecting vulnerable children.
Reflecting on his tenure as governor of Osun State, Aregbesola highlighted past initiatives such as free schooling, provision of meals and uniforms, youth empowerment programs like the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O-YES), and character-building clubs in schools designed to instill discipline and integrity.
Aregbesola concluded that the future of Nigeria depends on protecting and empowering all children, particularly boys who are often overlooked, warning that societal neglect cannot be insulated from its consequences. His call underscores the urgent need for comprehensive child protection policies, community engagement, and equitable support systems to safeguard the well-being and development of vulnerable children across Nigeria.
