S.O.S ALIEME

I was at the Church on  Sunday for the usual worship and what I witnessed moved me to tears. A Priest of the Catholic Church Fr. Linus Nnkemjinaka Onyenagubor (SDB) and with the Bosco Boys from Bosco Child Protection Centre, Ibadan and with the permission of the Archbishop and the Parish Priest was the chief celebrant of the Mass on that Sunday. Lo and behold, during the sermon the Priest dwelt much on protecting the lives of the children on the street. As part of the activities of the Divine Mercy Sunday and the celebration of the International Day for Street Children, the Priest told us how he has gone extra mile into the Sabo area of Mokola to pick the destitute who were mainly children and incorporate them into the mainstream of a responsible life.

I began to wonder what this priest was actually doing. He is from the Don Bosco fathers. I may not be able to describe him vividly because I do not possess the full and comprehensive details of his schedule but I saw the activities being carried out by this Priest. The destitute who were mainly children wore uniform which I guess it must have been provided by the priest’s movement. He actually brought the children into the Church to worship with us. Towards the end of the Mass after the reception of the Holy Communion, the children did some presentations to the Church in form of dancing, singing and playing the musical instruments.  The children were happy to find themselves in the presence of parishioners who watched them display with utmost awe.

I believe majority of the children are Muslims but they were happy to see their brother Christians welcoming them into the Christian fold.   It was quite amazing. I begin to compare what this Catholic Priest is doing to what the Boko Haram, ISWAP and kidnappers are doing in the country.  While the Priest representing the Catholic Church is struggling to protect the sanctity of life, the terrorists are busy wiping out life and putting families into great mourning. The Almajiris that are being used as thugs in the Northern part of the country can be rehabilitated back into the society instead of being used as terrorists.

That Sunday in question was being marked as the International Day for Street Children. This year's theme, "Access to Justice: Protect, Not Punish," is a reminder that for many street-connected children, justice is something they fear, not something that protects them. These children did not ask to be born. They have parents or relatives who do not want them or neglect their needs. These children are not criminals. They have names, stories, and potential dreams waiting to flourish.  Why do you punish them simply for being poor or without family support? That has to change. Poverty is not a crime. Childhood is not a crime. Every child on the street deserves dignity, protection, and a real chance at life, not judgement, detention, stigma, or punishment for simply trying to survive.

Today, I'm standing with every street-connected child and calling on all of us; governments, communities, NGOs, religious groups, and individuals to move from words to action. Let's choose protection and compassion over punishment.  Let's give them the chance to thrive. It is their right, not a gift.

The International Day for Street Children is observed annually on April 12 to recognise the rights, resilience, and dignity of street-connected children worldwide. Launched by the Consortium for Street Children (CSC) in 2011, the day advocates for protection, access to justice, and specialised services, highlighting that millions face risks like exploitation, violence, and lack of education.  Every year, organisations and individuals around the world celebrate the International Day for Street Children, recognising the humanity, dignity and defiance of street-connected children in the face of unimaginable hardships.  The day provides a focus point to rally governments and individuals worldwide to work together to ensure their rights are protected no matter who they are and where they live.  The 2026 theme is “Access to Justice: Protect, Not Punish”, advocating for protection over criminalisation, ensuring street children are treated as rights holders. It serves to raise awareness, share the voices of street-connected children, and encourage governments to uphold their rights under the UN General Comment No. 21.

Children on the street face extreme risks, including lack of healthcare, educational opportunities, and safety. Individuals and organizations can participate by sharing the CSC's social media graphics, utilizing the template advocacy letter, or volunteering at local support organizations. Let us imbibe these slogans into our culture: “Protect Not Punish”, “Access To Justice”  “Every Child Matters”

God Bless Nigeria!!!