close
Women Times

Chat Room

NewsEmpowermentTrending

Nigerian Chess Master Tunde Onakoya Pledges to Fund Education of Young Girl in Ikoyi Child Labor Case.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene

Tunde Onakoya, the renowned Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has stepped forward with a heartfelt promise to sponsor the education of an 11-year-old girl whose story recently captured national attention. The girl, seen sweeping the streets of Ikoyi alongside her mother, sparked widespread debate after her mother faced criticism for involving her in what many labeled as child labor. Onakoya’s gesture has since turned the spotlight from controversy to hope, offering the young girl a transformative opportunity.

The incident unfolded when a video of the girl working with her mother, a street sweeper in the affluent Ikoyi neighborhood, went viral. While some condemned the mother for exposing her daughter to labor instead of ensuring her education, others highlighted the harsh realities of poverty that often leave families with little choice. Amid the polarized reactions, Onakoya, known for his commitment to uplifting underprivileged children, saw a chance to make a difference.

“I believe every child deserves a shot at a better future, no matter their circumstances,” Onakoya said in a statement. “This young girl’s story moved me, and I’m honored to step in and support her education. It’s not just about one child, it’s about showing what’s possible when we invest in our youth.

Onakoya, who made history in 2024 by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon to raise funds for children’s education, has pledged to cover the girl’s schooling costs through his nonprofit organization, Chess in Slums Africa. The initiative, which uses chess as a tool to teach critical thinking and life skills, has already impacted thousands of children across the continent.

Details of the sponsorship are still being finalized, but sources close to Onakoya indicate it will include tuition, books, and other essentials to ensure the girl can attend school without financial burden. The move has been met with widespread praise, with many lauding Onakoya as a beacon of compassion and action in a country grappling with educational disparities.

The girl’s mother, whose identity remains private, reportedly expressed gratitude for the offer, noting that her intention was never to exploit her daughter but to survive in the face of economic hardship. “I just wanted to teach her hard work,” she said, according to a local report. “Now she has a chance I could never give her.”

Onakoya’s heartfelt help comes at the right time, a time when child labor remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with millions of children out of school due to poverty, conflict, and systemic challenges. His promise not only offers a lifeline to one family but also reignites conversations about the need for broader solutions to ensure education for all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

read more
NewsTrendingWomen in Nigeria

Lagos Woman Accused of Child Labor After Early Morning Sweeping in Ikoyi Sparks Outrage.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

A routine early morning in Ikoyi turned into a public spectacle this week when a Lagos woman, known locally as Mama Bose, was confronted by another woman over allegations of child labor. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, occurred around 4:30-5:00 AM on Monday, March 31, as Mama Bose and her 11-year-old daughter were seen sweeping a residential compound in the upscale neighborhood.

The accuser, identified on social media only as Toun, a concerned passerby, challenged Mama Bose for bringing her young daughter along on the daily trek from Iyana Oworo, a mainland suburb, to Ikoyi to perform cleaning work. “This is purely child labor,” Toun declared in the video, which has since garnered thousands of views on social media platforms. “She wakes this child up by 4 AM to sweep—how can this be right?” Toun’s outrage resonated with some onlookers and online commentators who argued that the grueling schedule endangered the girl’s well-being and education.

Mama Bose, a widowed mother of three who relies on odd jobs to survive, defended herself amid the confrontation. “We come from Iyana Oworo every day because this is how I feed my family,” she explained, her voice trembling. “My daughter helps me, and then she goes to school. I don’t have a choice.” Witnesses reported that the girl appeared tired but unharmed, clutching a broom nearly as tall as she was.

The video, first posted by X user @shegzedon

on March 31 ignited a firestorm of reactions. Some, like @iam_polainoe, echoed Toun’s concerns, noting the strain of waking a child so early for labor before school. “Many of you are supporting her, but this is wrong,” the user wrote. Others criticized Toun’s approach, accusing her of insensitivity. @GlamTspecial22 remarked, “She sounds so rude—just cares about embarrassing the woman! If she really cared, she’d talk to her without a camera.” Similarly, @sholawa condemned Toun for shaming Mama Bose publicly: “Is it joy to her, coming from the mainland to sweep at 4 AM?”

Child labor is a contentious issue in Nigeria, where economic hardship often forces families into difficult choices. While the Child’s Right Act prohibits exploitative work for children under 18, enforcement remains weak, especially in informal sectors like domestic cleaning. A December 2024 AP News report on child labor in Nigeria’s lithium mines highlighted the broader challenge, though urban cases like this one rarely make headlines.

The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has not commented on the incident, and no formal complaint has been reported to the police as of April 1. However, the viral video has prompted calls for intervention. “In some countries, this wouldn’t be tolerated,” X user @urch_cenation posted, urging authorities to investigate.

For now, Mama Bose continues her dawn routine, caught between survival and scrutiny. The clash has left Lagosians divided: Is this a case of exploitation or a mother’s desperate bid to provide? As the debate rages online, the story unveils the harsh realities many face in Nigeria’s economic capital—and the complex line between necessity and neglect.

 

 

 

 

 

read more
NewsHealthWomen in Nigeria

Lassa Fever Outbreak: Nigerian Women on the Frontlines as Caregivers Demand Support.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

As Nigeria grapples with a deadly Lassa fever outbreak that has claimed 118 lives in the first three months of 2025, women in affected communities are emerging as the unsung heroes, and unintended victims, of this public health crisis. With 645 confirmed cases reported across 33 states by March 31, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), women, often the primary caregivers in households, are bearing the brunt of the disease’s toll, particularly in hard-hit areas like Kano.

The outbreak, which has a case fatality rate of 18.3%, has exposed deep-seated gender dynamics in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. Women like Amina Yusuf, a 38-year-old mother of four from Kano, have found themselves thrust into the role of caregiver as family members fall ill. “My husband caught the fever last month, and I’ve been nursing him day and night,” Amina said, her voice heavy with exhaustion. “There’s no one else to do it. But the clinics are far, and we don’t have enough medicine or information to keep us safe.”

Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents or bodily fluids, thrives in Nigeria’s dry season, peaking between November and April. The NCDC reports that 3,465 suspected cases have swept through 91 local government areas this year, with Kano among the regions sounding the alarm. For women, the risk is twofold: caring for the sick exposes them to infection, while limited access to medical resources heightens their vulnerability.

Dr. Fatima Bello, a public health expert in Kano, emphasized the gendered impact. “Women are the backbone of caregiving in our communities, yet they’re often the last to receive protective equipment or education about prevention,” she said. “This outbreak is a wake-up call—we need targeted support for these women, from gloves and masks to awareness campaigns in local languages.”

The NCDC has deployed rapid response teams to 10 high-burden states, including Kano, and activated a national emergency operations center to coordinate efforts. Yet, challenges persist: delayed case detection, manpower shortages, and late hospital visits—often due to reliance on traditional remedies—continue to hamper containment. Of the 20 healthcare workers infected nationwide, many are women, underscoring the frontline risks they face.

In Kano’s markets and cramped homes, women like Amina are calling for change. “We need more help—more doctors, more supplies, and someone to tell us how to stop this,” she pleaded. Community leaders have echoed her plea, urging the government and private sector to bolster medical infrastructure and launch door-to-door education drives.

 

 

 

 

 

read more
UncategorizedNewsTrending

Lagos Markets See Post-Mother’s Day Boom from Last-Minute Gifts.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

The hustle and bustle of Mother’s Day on March 30, 2025, has left a lasting mark on Lagos markets, with traders reporting a significant economic boost today, March 31, driven by last-minute shoppers honoring their moms. From Balogun Market to Oshodi, families flocked yesterday to snatch up Ankara fabrics, glittering jewelry, and vibrant flower bouquets, ensuring mothers across the city were celebrated in style.

Amina Yusuf, a fabric seller in Balogun Market, described the scene yesterday as “absolute chaos—in the best way.” She noted that latecomers, desperate to find the perfect gift, fueled a 20% sales spike compared to a typical Sunday.

 

“Everyone wanted something special—lace, Aso-Oke, anything to make their mothers shine,” Yusuf told reporters today, her stall still busy with customers exchanging Mother’s Day stories.

The surge underscores Nigerian mothers’ cultural prominence, particularly during Mothering Sunday, a tradition tied to the fourth Sunday of Lent and widely celebrated in Lagos’ churches and homes. Shoppers like Tunde Adebayo, 34, admitted to procrastinating until the final hours. “I got my mom a red Ankara wrapper and a necklace just before the market closed yesterday—she loved it,” he said, grinning outside Idumota Market this morning.

Beyond fabrics and trinkets, florists like Chidinma Okeke in Yaba reported selling out of roses and lilies by noon on March 30, with some customers doubling back today to grab leftovers for belated tributes. “Mothers are queens here—people don’t hold back,” Okeke said, estimating her sales tripled compared to last week.

Economists see this post-Mother’s Day boom as a microcosm of Lagos’ vibrant informal economy, where cultural events often drive commerce. Dr. Femi Aluko, a market analyst at Lagos State University, noted today that such spikes—while temporary—offer a lifeline to traders still reeling from inflation, which hit 32.7% in February 2025 (per Nigeria Bureau of Statistics). “It’s not just about gifts; it’s about affirming family values,” he said.

Yet, not all reactions were celebratory. On X today, some Lagosians grumbled about inflated prices during the rush, with user @NaijaMomma

tweeting, “Ankara that was N5,000 last week became N7,000 yesterday—traders know how to cash in!” Still, for most, the expense was worth it to see mothers draped in tradition, their smiles lighting up homes and church pews.

 

This economic ripple effect from Mother’s Day shows both the resilience of Lagos’ markets and the deep-rooted reverence for Nigerian mothers.

 

 

read more
HealthNewsTrendingUncategorized

Post-Mother’s Day Push: Activists Target Nigeria’s Skin-Lightening Crisis.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

Mother’s Day on March 30, 2025, in Port Harcourt was more than a celebration of maternal love—it became a launchpad for a growing movement against Nigeria’s skin-lightening crisis. Today, March 31, activists report their efforts are gaining momentum, spurred by a women’s group that seized yesterday’s festivities to distribute “Love Your Skin” pamphlets, urging mothers to reject bleaching creams used by 77% of Nigerian women, according to World Health Organization data.

At a Mother’s Day event hosted by the Rivers Women Empowerment Network (RWEN) in the city’s Mile 1 district yesterday, volunteers handed out hundreds of flyers amid the singing of “Sweet Mother” and gift exchanges. The message was clear: embrace natural skin tones and protect the next generation from a practice linked to severe health risks like kidney damage and mercury poisoning. “Mothers shape our values—why not start with loving ourselves as we are?” said RWEN coordinator Blessing Amadi, speaking to reporters today..

The campaign struck a chord. By this morning, March 31, a viral video testimony from Chioma Nwankwo, a 39-year-old mother of three, had racked up over 50,000 views on Instagram. In the clip, recorded at yesterday’s event, Nwankwo shared how she quit bleaching creams two years ago after her daughters began asking why she “didn’t like her skin.” “I stopped for them—to show them beauty isn’t light skin,” she said, tearing up as the crowd cheered. Her story, hashtagged #LoveYourSkin, has since inspired local schools in Port Harcourt to schedule workshops for April, targeting both mothers and teens.

The skin-lightening crisis, declared a national health emergency by Nigeria’s drug agency in 2023, remains stubbornly entrenched, driven by cultural beauty standards favoring lighter complexions. The WHO’s 77% usage statistic—Africa’s highest—underscores the scale, with a 2025 BMJ study estimating thousands suffer from related health issues annually. Yesterday’s Mother’s Day push tapped into this urgency, framing mothers as key to breaking the cycle.

Today, RWEN reports that five secondary schools, including Government Girls’ Secondary School in Diobu, have committed to hosting “Love Your Skin” sessions, with plans to distribute educational kits funded by donations collected at the Mother’s Day event. “We raised N250,000 yesterday—enough to start,” Amadi said, noting the group aims to reach 1,000 students by mid-year.

For activists, Mother’s Day offered a rare spotlight. “Yesterday was about honoring moms—today, it’s about empowering them to change Nigeria,” Amadi said. As the campaign rolls forward, this post-Mother’s Day push could mark a turning point in the battle against a pervasive health and cultural crisis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

read more
NewsWomen & BusinessWomen of Substance

Cecilia Umoren leads change in Nigeria’s Oil sector.

by Women Times on

 

 

By Prosper Mene 

In the high-stakes world of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, where pipelines crisscross the Niger Delta and global markets hang on every barrel, Cecilia Umoren stands as a beacon of resilience and vision. As Executive Chairman of Millennium Oil and Gas since 2015, she has spent a decade steering the company through turbulent waters—both literal and figurative—while quietly carving a path for women in a sector long defined by male dominance. Her story is one of grit, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, earning her a spot among the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent in 2025.

Umoren’s journey to the top of Millennium Oil and Gas is not just a personal triumph; it’s a testament to the slow but seismic shift unfolding in Nigeria’s energy landscape. The oil sector, which accounts for over 90% of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings, has historically been a tough arena for women. Yet, under her leadership, Millennium, a player in upstream exploration and production has weathered economic volatility, security challenges, and the global push toward cleaner energy. “It’s not about surviving the storm,” Umoren once said in a rare interview. “It’s about building something that endures beyond it.”

Taking the helm in 2015, Umoren inherited a company at a crossroads. Nigeria’s oil industry was grappling with falling global prices, rampant oil theft, and a government eager to diversify the economy. Her approach was methodical yet bold: streamline operations, invest in local talent, and prioritize sustainability. Over the past decade, she has overseen the development of key assets in the Niger Delta, navigating the region’s complex socio-political dynamics while fostering partnerships with communities often at odds with oil firms. Her tenure has seen Millennium bolster its production capacity, contributing to Nigeria’s fragile but vital oil output recovery—projected to hit 1.8 million barrels per day in 2025, despite setbacks like the recent pipeline explosions in Rivers State.

What sets Umoren apart, colleagues say, is her ability to balance profit with purpose. In an industry criticized for environmental negligence, she has championed initiatives to reduce gas flaring and integrate renewable energy pilots into Millennium’s operations. “The future of oil isn’t just about extraction—it’s about responsibility,” she remarked at an industry summit in Abuja last year. This vision aligns with Nigeria’s broader ambitions under the Petroleum Industry Act, which seeks to modernize the sector while addressing climate concerns.

For Umoren, leadership is personal. Raised in Akwa Ibom, a state rich in oil yet scarred by its extraction, she witnessed firsthand the paradox of resource wealth and local poverty. That perspective drives her advocacy for inclusion, not just for women, but for the communities her industry touches. At Millennium, she has pushed for training programs that elevate female engineers and geoscientists, a move that echoes across an industry where women globally make up only 22% of the workforce. Her efforts earned her accolades this month from the Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Initiative, which hailed her as a trailblazer for African women.

Her rise hasn’t been without challenges. The oil sector’s volatility—exacerbated by incidents like the March 2025 Rivers State crisis, where sabotage slashed output—tests even the steadiest hands. Critics argue her cautious approach to expansion has limited Millennium’s scale compared to giants like Shell or Chevron. Yet, supporters counter that her focus on stability has kept the company afloat where others have faltered. “She’s not here to chase headlines,” says a longtime associate. “She’s here to build a legacy.”

Umoren’s story resonates beyond the boardroom. She joins a growing cadre of Nigerian women reshaping the oil sector—from Elohor Aiboni, Shell Nigeria’s first female MD, to Senator Margareth Chuba Okadigbo, NNPC’s pioneering female chairman. Together, they signal a cultural shift in an industry at a pivotal moment, as Nigeria courts foreign investment (notably from China, with 74 oil-focused firms signing deals in 2024) while grappling with domestic unrest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

read more
NewsUncategorizedWomen & Business

CBN Governor Highlights Gender Equity Milestone with Women at 35% of Apex Bank Directors.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a landmark stride toward gender inclusion in Nigeria’s financial sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has achieved a significant milestone, with women now constituting 35% of its recently appointed directors. Governor Olayemi Cardoso emphasized this achievement as a testament to the bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive leadership, speaking at the grand finale of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations held at the CBN headquarters in Abuja.

Cardoso highlighted the importance of gender equity, describing it as both a moral imperative and an economic necessity. “At the CBN, we are proud to be part of this global movement. Women now make up 35% of recently appointed directors and three out of the seven non-executive board members, showing our firm commitment to fostering inclusive leadership in Nigeria’s financial sector,” he stated. He highlighted that the growing presence of female leaders in top positions across banks and regulatory bodies is reshaping the industry, with the number of female managing directors in Nigerian financial institutions reaching an all-time high.

The event, which marked the culmination of IWD 2025 activities, also featured the “Inspiring Women Award,” an initiative by the CBN’s Change and Culture Transformation Unit (CCTU). Out of 806 nominations nationwide, 28 exceptional female staff members from branches including Awka, Dutse, Yola, Gombe, Oshogbo, Kaduna, Enugu, and Birnin Kebbi were honored for their outstanding contributions. Among the recipients, Deputy Governor Emem Usoro received the prestigious Amazon Award from Cardoso, recognizing her exemplary leadership since taking office.

Cardoso praised the contributions of newly appointed directors such as Daphne Dafinone, Nkiru Balonwu, and Shola Phillips, noting their pivotal roles in navigating complex challenges and shaping the bank’s policy direction. “Increasing women’s representation in leadership is not just ethical; it is a strategic necessity,” he said, adding that the rise of women in leadership at the CBN mirrors a global shift toward diverse and visionary governance.

Deputy Governor of Corporate Services, Emem Usoro, echoed Cardoso’s sentiments, emphasizing the urgency of the IWD 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action.” Citing a World Economic Forum report projecting full gender parity by 2054, she called on institutions to dismantle structural barriers and create opportunities for women. “This year’s program reflects our shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and institutional progress,” Usoro remarked.

The CBN’s push for gender equity is in terms with broader efforts to enhance financial inclusion, particularly for women and underserved groups. Recent initiatives, including the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code and a Gender Desk within the Financial Inclusion Unit, shows the bank’s dedication to closing the gender gap in access to finance, a gap currently estimated at 9% in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

read more
News

”Cultivating The Garden Within” Mindfully with Tunmise Hosts Reflective Session on Self Awareness For Women

by Women Times on

Women from all walks of life have gathered in an intimate setting to participate in the “Cultivating the Garden Within” event, a reflective and empowering session hosted by Oluwatunmise Oladapo-Kuku, the host of Mindfully with Tunmise podcast.

Oladapo-Kuku who is also a mental health advocate and wellness coach explained that the gathering was designed to encourage women from diverse backgrounds to explore their relational, professional and maternal roles, while embracing self-awareness and balance.

The metaphor of “cultivating the garden within” represents the journey of self-discovery and growth. As Oladapo-Kuku explained, “Every woman plays multiple roles, and it is essential to find peace within those roles by recognizing both strengths and perceived weaknesses. What may be a strength for one woman may be a weakness for another.”

She also said the event aimed to create a space for open discussions, something many women rarely get the opportunity to have.

Oladapo-Kuku further highlighted the societal expectations placed on women, particularly the generational patterns where mothers dictated responsibilities without providing the necessary emotional and psychological tools.

“Our mothers only told us what we should do, but they didn’t guide us in finding ourselves. Now, as we raise the next generation, we must understand our values, whether in spirituality, relationships, or career paths,” she said.

The women who attended the event, each with their unique experiences and perspectives described it as a form of soul sisters bonding, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, balance and decision-making.

Funsho Kola-Ogunlade, one of the attendees, described the event as a privilege, noting that it helped her rediscover deeper aspects of herself and her friends. “I learned the importance of balance—being myself, being happy, and taking care of myself first so I can take care of others. Finding a supportive community where I can share my thoughts was truly valuable.”

Another participant, Diana Emenyonu expressed her joy at reconnecting with old friends. “I love that we are open and vulnerable as women. This event was a reminder to keep growing and to focus on personal happiness because a happy woman creates a happy environment.”

For Tolase Olohunnihi, the event reinforced the need to live unapologetically. “I learned that I can be myself without needing to apologize. That is how I want to be moving forward.”

Eyinmofe Onifade highlighted the significance of embracing different stages of life as a woman. “It was enlightening to see women at different stages, some further along and others still navigating their paths. It reminded me that every stage is temporary, and it’s important to enjoy the moment.”

“It was refreshing to just be in our own space, embracing our femininity and unwinding from the pressures of work, family and societal expectations,” Onifade added.

Mofebisola Omopeloye brought a humorous and heartfelt perspective, sharing that no gathering is complete without good food. “I won’t stop talking about the food!”. “But beyond that, I learned to be more intentional about my growth and my family, she said. I also learned from older women about their journeys, family and personal growth. I now understand the importance of nurturing my garden.”

For Opeyemi Bamidele, the event not only strengthened friendships but also provided a space for re-evaluating values and fostering self-acceptance.

“Cultivating the Garden Within” proved to be more than just a gathering; it was a powerful movement towards self-awareness, intentional living and community support among sisters, she added.

As part of the event, the women participated in a podcast, while each participant received motivational affirmation cards to serve as daily reminders of their journey.

The host, Oladapo-Kuku emphasized the power of these affirmations, stating, “Whenever they feel low, I hope they look at their cards and remember that everything unfolds at the perfect time.”

Cultivating the Garden Within proved to be more than just a discussion, it was a transformative experience, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose and community. Through meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and affirmations, these women are now better equipped to cultivate their inner gardens and embrace life with confidence and clarity.

read more
NewsWomen right abuse

Street Children Crisis in Kano: Young Girls Face Growing Risks.

by Women Times on

A sample of displaced children rescued by UNICEF

 

By Prosper Mene 

In the streets of Kano, northern Nigeria’s largest city, thousands of children roam without shelter or protection, with young girls among the most vulnerable. Humanitarian organizations are sounding the alarm over the escalating crisis, warning that these girls face heightened risks of exploitation, violence, and abuse as they struggle to survive amid poverty and displacement.

The sight of children begging or hawking goods is not new to Kano, a commercial hub with a rich cultural heritage. Yet, the numbers have surged in recent years, driven by Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis and ongoing security challenges. Authorities estimate that over 5,000 street children currently live in the city, a figure that reflects only a fraction of the broader national issue. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has 18.5 million out-of-school children, with Kano State alone accounting for 1.9 million—the highest in the country.

For young girls, the streets offer little beyond danger. “These girls are at the mercy of predators,” says Amina Usman, a social worker with a local nonprofit, Rahama Foundation. “Without family or a safe place to turn, they’re targets for trafficking, forced labor, and sexual violence.” Reports from humanitarian groups indicate that many are lured with promises of food or money, only to be trapped in cycles of exploitation.

The roots of this crisis run deep. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is striy with its worst economic downturn in decades, with inflation soaring to 34.6% in early 2025. In Kano, where 39% of children live in multidimensional poverty, families are increasingly unable to cope. High divorce rates and the displacement caused by banditry and insurgencies in the northwest and northeast have further swelled the ranks of street children. “Parents can’t feed their kids, so they end up here,” Usman explains. “For girls, it’s even worse they’re often seen as burdens.”

Local authorities have taken notice. In January 2025, Kano State launched a mass evacuation of street children, aiming to rehabilitate and repatriate them. The initiative, led by the state’s Hisbah—a religious police force—includes plans for psychosocial support and education. “We see these children as a security threat, but also as a social one,” says Commander Haruna Daurawa, who oversaw a similar effort between 2017 and 2018 that evacuated 26,000 children. Yet, many returned to the streets, underscoring the challenge of addressing root causes like poverty and lack of opportunity.

Grassroots efforts are also stepping in. Organizations like Rahama Foundation and Rising Child Foundation are working to provide safe spaces, education, and vocational training, with a particular focus on girls. “Education is their way out,” says Taibat Hussain, founder of Rising Child Foundation, which has empowered vulnerable children across Nigeria. “But we’re fighting against a tide of systemic issues—poverty, gender inequality, and violence.”

The plight of Kano’s street girls mirrors broader gender challenges in the region. Nigeria ranks 130th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap report, and activists point to weak enforcement of laws like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act as a barrier to progress. “The government has tools, but they’re not using them effectively,” says Fatima Bello, a women’s rights advocate in Kano. “These girls need more than evacuation—they need justice and a future.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

read more
NewsGist MeTrendingWomen in Nigeria

Nigerian Women Turn to Prostitution Amid Economic Crisis.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

In a corner of Lagos’ bustling streets, Aisha, a 24-year-old single mother, adjusts her makeup under the flicker of a streetlamp. Once a petty trader selling vegetables in Oshodi market, she now stands among a growing number of Nigerian women compelled to trade their bodies for survival. “I didn’t choose this,” she says, her voice heavy with resignation. “But when inflation eats your profits and your child is hungry, what choice do you have?”

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is reeling from its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades. With inflation soaring to 34.6% in November 2024 and food prices climbing beyond 40%, according to government data, millions of households are buckling under economic strain. For women like Aisha, the fallout is not just financial—it’s personal, pushing them into desperate measures as traditional livelihoods collapse under the weight of a devalued naira and dwindling opportunities.

A Crisis Driving Choices

The economic turmoil began intensifying in 2023 when President Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidies and liberalized foreign exchange rates reforms aimed at revitalizing the economy but leaving ordinary Nigerians in their wake. The naira has since plummeted, losing over 70% of its value against the dollar, while the cost of basics like rice, beans, and cooking gas has tripled. For women, who often bear the burden of feeding families and managing households, the impact is profound.

“Before, I could make 5,000 naira a day selling vegetables,” Aisha recalls. “Now, I’m lucky to break even after transport and market fees. My son needs school fees, food, medicine, I couldn’t keep up.” Last month, she joined the ranks of women engaging in what’s locally dubbed “hookup”—a discreet form of prostitution facilitated by social media and apps, offering quick cash in a crumbling economy.

The United Nations World Food Programme projects that 33.1 million Nigerians will face acute food insecurity in 2025, a 7 million increase from last year. Women, particularly in urban centers like Lagos and Kano, are among the hardest hit. A 2023 report by the Council on Foreign Relations noted that Nigeria’s GDP could rise by 23% if women were equally engaged in the economy, yet cultural norms and economic exclusion continue to marginalize them, leaving prostitution as a last resort.

From Markets to Streets

Across Nigeria, stories like Aisha’s echo a trend. In Benin City, Edo State—long a hub for trafficking, Blessing, 19, abandoned her tailoring apprenticeship when customers stopped coming. “Thread and fabric prices doubled, and people couldn’t afford my work,” she says. A friend introduced her to a “madam” who promised fast money through clients in Lagos. “I send half home to my mother. She doesn’t ask where it comes from.”

The rise of “hookup” culture, distinct from traditional brothel-based prostitution, has exploded in cities, fueled by anonymity and smartphones. Young women, including university students and unemployed graduates, connect with clients online, charging anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 naira per encounter—sums that dwarf the 33,000 naira monthly minimum wage for public servants like NYSC members. “It’s not pride,” says Tolu, a 21-year-old student in Ibadan. “It’s survival. Books don’t pay rent.”

A Legacy of Exploitation

Nigeria’s prostitution crisis isn’t new, but the economic downturn has amplified it. Since the 1980s, trafficking networks have funneled women from Edo State to Europe, particularly Italy, where an estimated 21,000 Nigerian women and girls have been trafficked since 2015, according to the UN. Today, the same desperation driving international trafficking is turning inward, with local sex work surging. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reported rescuing 1,266 women from trafficking in 2021 alone, yet the agency struggles to keep pace with the domestic shift.

In northern Kano, where Sharia law bans prostitution, economic pressures are quietly eroding taboos. Fatima, 28, a widow with three children, began meeting clients in secret after her roadside tea stall folded. “Bandits took our farms, and prices took my business,” she says. “I’d rather sin than watch my kids starve.”

Society’s Blind Eye

The stigma surrounding prostitution remains fierce, yet economic necessity is softening judgment in some quarters. “People whisper, but they know why we do it,” Tolu says. Families, too, often turn a blind eye when remittances arrive. In Benin City, activists note a troubling normalization: parents once pressured daughters to migrate for sex work abroad; now, they tacitly accept it at home.

Government response has been patchy. Tinubu’s administration has rolled out cash transfers and grain handouts, but critics say they’re inadequate. “We’re treating symptoms, not the disease,” argues Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise. “Without jobs and security, women will keep falling through the cracks.”

Grassroots groups like Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) in Edo State offer vocational training and counseling, but resources are stretched thin. “We’re seeing younger girls every day,” says Grace Osakue of GPI. “Poverty doesn’t wait for empowerment programs.”

A Future in Question

For Aisha, Blessing, and countless others, prostitution isn’t a career—it’s a stopgap. “I pray every night for a way out,” Aisha says, glancing at her son’s photo on her phone. Yet, with 33 million Nigerians projected to face food insecurity and inflation showing no signs of slowing, that way out feels distant.

As morning comes in Lagos, Aisha heads home with 15,000 naira in her pocket—enough for a week’s worth of food. “This isn’t who I am,” she insists. “But until Nigeria gives us something better, it’s what I have to do.” For now, the economic crisis holds her—and millions of Nigerian women—in its grip, a stark reminder of the human cost of a nation’s struggle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

read more
1 … 66 67 68 69 70 … 82
Page 68 of 82