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Report Reveals Why 53.9% Of Nigerian Children Live In Multi-Dimensional Poverty
The Situation Analysis (SitAn) of Children in Nigeria Report has revealed the factors contributing to the staggering 53.9% of children in the country living in multi-dimensional poverty.
Released during the 2024 World Children’s Day celebrations on November 20, this report is a policy document developed by the Federal Government with assistance from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to identify and analyze child-related issues.
According to the report, several key factors such as corruption, unemployment, lack of political will, violence, insurgency, and insufficient investment in social sectors significantly contribute to child poverty in Nigeria. Furthermore, issues like displacement and resettlement add to the strain on limited resources, worsening child poverty across the nation.
The report characterizes child poverty as “a condition where children are deprived of the material, emotional, and spiritual resources necessary to survive, develop, and thrive, thereby hindering their ability to enjoy their rights, reach their full potential, and participate as equal members of society.”
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It identifies seven indicators of child poverty: health, water, sanitation, nutrition, shelter, education, and information.
In detailing the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) analysis, the report notes that disparities in child poverty rates exist across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). For instance, Osun State reports the lowest poverty incidence at 17.5%, with a deprivation rate of 35.5% and an HDI ranking of 14th. In contrast, Sokoto State experiences a high poverty incidence of 89.9% and a deprivation rate of 50.4%, ranking 37th in HDI.
The report indicates a stark difference between urban and rural areas, with 29.7% of urban children classified as multi-dimensionally poor compared to 65.7% of rural children. Notably, children in Sokoto (80.4%), Kebbi (74.9%), and Zamfara (74%) face the most severe deprivation.
Conversely, fewer than 20% of children in Edo (19%) and Lagos (17.3%) live in multi-dimensional poverty. Children in Sokoto experience deprivation in 74.1% of the total indicators, whereas the figure is only 57.7% for those in Lagos.
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The report also observes that larger households, especially those with uneducated heads, exhibit higher rates of multi-dimensional deprivation. It highlights that children with illiterate mothers are more likely to suffer from poverty than those with educated mothers.
A particularly alarming situation is presented regarding Almajiri children, who are often homeless and lack basic necessities such as proper housing, nutrition, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and parental care. They frequently face violence and abuse and are vulnerable to exploitation during conflicts.
To address these issues, the report calls for action from various stakeholders. Families and caregivers are deemed essential in alleviating child poverty and ensuring children’s protection. Public healthcare, education, and social services are critical for helping children escape poverty, and these services must be inclusive, affordable, and accessible.
Effective governance at all levels is necessary to implement sound policies, ensure equitable resource distribution, and invest in household livelihoods—ultimately reducing poverty and promoting children’s rights. The government is urged to provide sustainable minimum income support to families, mitigating financial barriers that hinder children’s development.
The SitAn report was first published in 2022, relying on data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 2016-2017) and the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS 2018). An updated version was launched in 2024 to further bolster governmental efforts in shaping policies and directing investments to benefit Nigerian children.
A judge has expressed frustration with a woman who admitted to sending videos of herself passing wind to her boyfriend’s ex.
Rhiannon Evans, 25, is believed to be the first person ever to face charges for cyber-farting, an act she carried out over the Christmas period.
Evans sent the videos to Deborah Prytherech, who claimed they caused her significant distress and anxiety. Prosecutor Diane Williams outlined Evans’ actions, saying that the videos showed her “proceeding to pass gas by placing the camera on her bottom and passing the gas.”
Evans sent three videos on December 22 and four more over the following days, including on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Each video featured Evans smiling at the camera while passing wind.
The police were alerted to the situation and proceeded with an arrest, bringing Evans before the court in Caernarfon.
Evans explained her actions, stating that she felt her partner was being unfairly treated in a dispute with his ex. Her defense lawyer, Harriet Gorst, explained the situation, saying: “There are some issues going on between Miss Evans’s partner and his ex-partner (Ms Prytherech) with regard to child contact.
“At the time she sent these videos, she had some drinks and sent them, understanding now this has caused the victim some distress. She sent them without malicious intent.”
However, Prosecutor Williams argued that the videos were “purely malicious,” pointing out that Evans appeared to be “smirking throughout” and found the situation “hilarious,” while the victim clearly did not.
The Delta State Government has suspended five primary school headteachers for extorting pupils through illegal levies.
The action, announced in a statement from the State Ministry of Information, Asaba, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Theresa Adiabua-Oliko, was made public on Friday, January 31, 2025.
Copies of the statement were distributed to journalists in Warri.
The statement noted that this decisive move was to end corruption in the education sector.
According to the statement, the suspensions followed “an investigation and an on-the-spot visit carried out recently by the Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, to schools across the state.”
The statement further disclosed that a formal request was made to the State Universal Basic Education Board for disciplinary action against the affected school heads, who were found guilty of imposing unauthorised levies on pupils taking the 2025 Cognitive and Placement Examination.
It further noted that the schools involved include: “Asamala Primary School, Ugiliamai (Ndokwa West LGA); Abraka Model Primary School, Abraka (Ethiope East LGA); Ekrejeta Primary School, Abraka (Ethiope East LGA); and Origin Primary School, Orogun (Ughelli North LGA).”
The government’s swift response underscores its unwavering zero-tolerance policy on corruption and its commitment to ensuring that the state’s educational resources are properly utilised.
“This administration will not condone any form of exploitation in our schools,” the statement warned, emphasizing that further punitive measures await any official found guilty of malpractice.
The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi on Friday buried her late daughter, Blessing-Eyakenyi Olumuyiwa Adewumi.
The private funeral which took place in a cemetery in Uyo had family members and few close friends of the family in attendance.
Blessing Eyakenyi who got married 7 months ago died on Sunday, 5 months to her 30th birthday.
According to family sources to who spoke to TheMail, Blessing had a miscarriage following a 5-month pregnancy. Unsuccessful efforts were made to save her in hospitals in Port Harcourt and Owerri.
Governor Umo Eno had paid a condolence visit to the family at the Deputy Governor’s Lodge in Government House following his arrival from Lagos on Tuesday evening after being honoured at the ThisDay Newspaper Awards as ‘Governor of the Year’ a day before.
A memorial service in Blessing’s honour has been scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Insight Bible Church, Uyo.
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