The United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported in May 2005 that more than 7.3 million Nigerian children of school age were not in schools. The ugly statistic has its grave social consequences, including the spiraling rate of illiteracy and the dramatic rise in crimes committed by homeless street kids in Nigeria’s major towns and cities.

Across Nigeria, there are millions of children who are neither cared for nor have the prospects of personal fulfillment for the future. Their forlorn outlook paints a graphic portrait of their state of helplessness. Bereft of hope and cut off from the sustenance of family ties, these children roam the streets in a daze. They appear unkempt, emaciated, a picture of innocence defiled. Speak to them and they reveal a total absence of hope regarding their future. They make their “homes” in some of the filthiest, most dangerous parts of cities and towns, including abandoned buildings, underneath overhead bridges, and near refuse dumps which they scavenge for food.

They usually retire to their dangerous “abodes” at dusk and dash out early in the morning before they are seen by the prying eyes of the police or rightful owners of some of the structures that serve as haven.

In a country where the vast majority of the populace is racked by abject poverty, the state of street children is particularly grim.

Fela Awosika, a photojournalist who documents street kids across Nigeria, sets out to keep the future of these disadvantaged children firmly before our eyes.

Source: http://saharareporters.com/gallery/photonews-nigeria%E2%80%99s-street-kids-unprotected-and-hopeless

Are u adding more pix?

Sad! One really don't know what truly goes on out there.

really serious. leaders of tomoro.....anyway they will also av a story to tell,, that they once had no shoes.....

Hope for Nigeria...

i-*am sad┅GOD help em ! ✩

Too bad

Hi

This is sooo sad, why on earth will you bring forth children that you are not willing to care for

Sad!

Some!!!

I understand those kids in the second picture are almajiris...

These are not Nigerian children....they are actually from Niger republic and Benin republic

i really feel for them. This country has to stop this trend if we want to reduce crime drastically.

refuse dump site is their place of abode at nights, begging for alms is their day job.
My amazement still lies on how they survive.
#NigeriansMustSurvive

more pix, those two pix justifies and proves nothing.

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d second pix is rampant, we c dem almost everyday, some sef go sing for u

It's a shame

In Lagos, as well as some other states education is free up to secondary level but some people aren't just interested in the long term gain of children education, they prefer the short term gain of their children begging, hawking or even helping them with their businesses e.g. "mama put" and co.

So sad

This is more common in northern Nigeria.I think what they need is education.

nkem Kalu: These are not Nigerian children....they are actually from Niger republic and Benin republic

When i bcome minister of health,it wl b a crime 2hv mo dan 2-3 kids.n b4 u hv a child,u mst hv enuf resources set apart to train d child to university level.i dnt undastand y its d poor dat hv 6-12 kids n d rich hv 2-4

not all of them are Nigerians. if u come to Benin city(ring road) you will see even Lebanese, Niger republic. hustling continues

the begging issh is most common for yoruba and hausa pple, hardly you find igbo doing that

All these make up stories..
I have never seen any homeless Kid..

Sympathy beggars

wat a shame

Oya let's blame me on the government since that's what most Nigerians are good for..

illicit: more pix, those two pix justifies and proves nothing.

You dont need more pix here, go to the streets/roads you will get a live coverage. Probably ur parents are one those stealing away the futures of these children