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Nigeria Rejects U.S. “Genocide” Claim: First Lady, CAN Youths Fight Back

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

In defense of Nigeria’s unity, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, alongside the youth wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), firmly rejected recent U.S. claims of widespread religious persecution and an alleged “genocide” against Christians during a high-profile interfaith youth conference in Abuja today.

The event, themed “Let the Truth Set You Free,” comes amid escalating international scrutiny following the Trump administration’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for alleged violations of religious freedom.

Speaking to a gathering of over 1,000 young Christian leaders, Senator Tinubu, an ordained pastor herself, dismissed the U.S. narrative as a “distorted portrayal” that oversimplifies Nigeria’s complex security challenges and risks sowing division among its diverse populace. “Nigeria is not a country of concern in the way it’s being painted,” she declared, emphasizing the nation’s constitutional guarantees for religious freedom and the peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims across communities. “Our diversity is our strength, not a source of weakness. Terrorists do not discriminate by faith before they strike, the pain is shared by all Nigerians.”

The First Lady urged the youth to serve as “agents of reconciliation,” rejecting ethnic and religious bigotry while championing education and interfaith dialogue as tools for national healing. She highlighted the role of churches and mosques as “incubators of moral regeneration” under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of creed.

Loudening her sentiments, Ambassador Belusochukwu Enwere, National Chairman of the Youth Wing of CAN (YOWICAN) and convener of the conference, criticized the CPC designation as an “overgeneralization” that ignores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity. “This is a moment for dialogue, not defensiveness; for discernment, not division,” Enwere stated, pointing to recent attacks in states like Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna that have claimed lives across religious lines. He called on security agencies to enhance intelligence, equip forces, and prosecute perpetrators, while commending the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) for its peace-building initiatives. “Stop the killings of all Nigerians. Every life matters,” he implored, advocating for interfaith town halls and digital campaigns to amplify stories of resilience and shared suffering.

The pushback arrives on the heels of heightened U.S. rhetoric, including President Donald Trump’s threats of military intervention “guns blazing” if the alleged persecution persists, a move he first pursued during his initial term in 2020, only for the designation to be reversed under the Biden administration.

Trump’s recent actions, including ordering the Pentagon to plan potential operations, have drawn sharp rebukes from Nigerian officials. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar warned that such threats could push Nigeria toward instability akin to Libya or Sudan, insinuating that the country’s challenges stem from socio-economic and political factors, not state-sanctioned religious bias.

Experts and data further bolster Nigeria’s stance. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reports that while violence has surged this year, surpassed only by Sudan and Somalia, only a fraction of civilian attacks (around 50 out of 1,923) explicitly target Christians for religious reasons, with groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP often striking indiscriminately.

Analysts like Ladd Serwat of ACLED argue that inflated figures, such as claims of 100,000 Christian deaths since 2009, conflate all political violence and lack verifiable sourcing.2a9bd2 The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has similarly decried the “fake genocide” narrative as politically motivated, accusing foreign lobbyists and separatist groups of exploiting insecurity for gain.

Public reaction has been mixed but largely supportive of domestic solutions over foreign intervention. Social media buzzed with calls for unity, with users like entrepreneur Bianca Comfort expressing hope that global attention might spur stronger action against insurgents without risking invasion.

Others, including a Lagos-based vendor, dismissed Trump’s troop deployment ideas as misguided, insisting Nigerians must chart their own path to peace.

While Nigeria navigates this tightrope, the conference’s closing prayer, a joint invocation by Christian and Muslim youth, symbolized a broader call for harmony. “Let the truth set us free from narratives that portray us as perpetrators rather than protectors,” Enwere concluded.

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NewsTrendingWomen in Nigeria

Bandits Abduct Four Nursing Mothers in Late-Night Raid on Kano Village, Leaving Babies Behind

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

In an act of violence that has left a rural community reeling, armed bandits stormed Yan Kwada village in the Faruruwa area of Shanono Local Government Area, Kano State, late Sunday night, abducting five women, four of whom were nursing mothers and ruthlessly discarding their infants before fleeing with the captives and a herd of livestock.

The attack, which occurred around 9 p.m., saw the assailants arrive on motorcycles, firing shots into the air to terrorize residents and force their way into homes. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as the gunmen, armed with sophisticated weapons, targeted vulnerable households, separating the mothers from their newborns in a heart-wrenching display of cruelty. “They threw the babies away like trash and dragged the women into the night,” recounted one villager, speaking on condition of anonymity out of fear for their safety.

Yahaya Bagobiri, chairman of the Faruruwa community security committee, confirmed the harrowing details in interviews with local media outlets. He revealed that while five women were initially seized, one managed a daring escape, reuniting with her family and leaving four nursing mothers in the bandits’ clutches. The raiders also made off with approximately 50 cows and an unspecified number of other animals, compounding the economic devastation on an already impoverished agrarian community.

This incident marks yet another escalation in the wave of banditry plaguing Kano’s border regions with Katsina State, where criminal gangs have intensified operations amid shifting dynamics in neighboring areas. Just days prior, security forces repelled a similar incursion in the same locality, neutralizing 19 attackers in a fierce firefight. However, Bagobiri expressed profound frustration over the apparent lapses in response. “We alerted the military and other agencies yesterday when we heard the bandits were approaching, but nothing was done until they struck at 9 p.m.,” he lamented. “These attacks happen almost daily, despite the heavy security presence. Our people are living in constant fear.”

The abductions have ignited urgent calls for defenses and cross-state collaboration.

Community elders and traditional leaders are appealing to Kano State authorities to intensify patrols and coordinate with Katsina, where recent peace accords with bandit factions have reportedly displaced criminal elements into adjoining territories. “Kano must reinforce its frontline security or risk total destabilization from these spillover effects,” warned a senior traditional figure from the area, emphasizing the need for swift rescue operations to save the captives.

As of Monday evening, the Kano State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident, though villagers hold out hope for immediate action. The fate of the four abducted mothers remains uncertain, with families pleading for their safe return amid growing outrage over the vulnerability of women and children in Nigeria’s restive north.

 

 

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NewsTrending

Yemi Alade Dodges Tiwa Savage Collab: “I’d Rather Stay Clear”

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

In a revelation that’s sending ripples through the Afrobeats scene, powerhouse vocalist Yemi Alade has firmly shut down any whispers of a potential collaboration with fellow diva Tiwa Savage. The “Johnny” singer, known for her unfiltered takes on industry dynamics, dropped the bombshell during a recent interview on The Beat 99.9 FM, where she was promoting her upcoming album Pearl.

When pressed by host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on the much-anticipated dream team-up between two of Nigeria’s reigning queens, Alade and Savage, who’ve both dominated charts with hits like “Ego” and “Kele Kele”, Yemi didn’t mince words. “I’d rather stay clear,” she quipped. The comment, laced with playful shade, has ignited a frenzy on social media, with fans dissecting every syllable for hidden beef or just good old-fashioned banter.

The exchange unfolded during broader chatter about female solidarity in male-dominated Afrobeats.

Alade, 37, elaborated with her trademark wit: “Look, Tiwa’s a legend—undeniable. But sometimes, the stars just don’t align for a collab. I’ve got my lane, she’s got hers, and we’re both speeding ahead. Why force it when solo slays hit different?” Savage, 45, who recently teased her own project Water & Garri 2, hasn’t publicly responded yet, but her cryptic Instagram Story, a solo silhouette against a Lagos skyline, has only fueled the speculation.

This isn’t the first time the duo’s paths have sparked curiosity. Back in 2022, they shared a stage at the Headies Awards, trading verses in a medley that had the crowd roaring. Yet, despite fan campaigns like #YemiXTiwa, no studio magic has materialized. Industry insiders whisper it’s less about rivalry and more about clashing creative visions, Alade’s Afro-soul fusion versus Savage’s pop-infused edge.

The statement arrives at a pivotal moment for both artists. Alade’s Pearl, slated for a December drop, promises raw introspection on love, hustle, and womanhood, with features from Burna Boy and Tems. Meanwhile, Savage’s global footprint continues to expand post her 2023 BET nomination sweep. Could this “stay clear” be a sly marketing ploy? Or a genuine boundary-setter in an era where collabs are currency?

X (formerly Twitter) is ablaze: “Yemi just ended the collab dreams but started a whole era of solo queen energy,” tweeted user @AfrobeatVibes, amassing 12K likes in hours. Others rally with #QueensStayWinning, celebrating the unapologetic flex.

As Afrobeats eyes another record-breaking year, thanks to global streams topping 10 billion, Yemi Alade’s cheeky rebuff reminds us: Sometimes, the best harmony is independence. Stay tuned for Pearl tracks that might just prove her point.

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NewsPoliticsTrendingWomen in politics

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Invites Akpabio, Colleagues to Commission Constituency Projects in Kogi

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has formally invited Senate President Godswill Akpabio and all senators to the official commissioning of her constituency projects in Kogi State, marking her second anniversary in office.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Ihima, Okene Local Government Area. The central gathering point will be her residence at Plot 101, Jimoh Akpoti Street. Senators traveling by air are advised to use the Obajana Airstrip, followed by a short road trip to the venue.

During Thursday’s plenary session, Senate President Akpabio personally read the senator’s handwritten invitation letter to the chamber. “In celebration of my two years as a serving Senator, I warmly invite my distinguished colleagues to join me in commissioning development projects in Kogi Central,” the letter stated.

Akpabio responded with a smile: “Congratulations in advance, Senator Natasha. We wish you a successful event.”

The invitation comes just two months after Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to the Senate on September 24, 2025, following a controversial six-month suspension imposed on March 6, 2025. The suspension stemmed from a heated dispute over her assigned seat in the chamber, which she claimed was changed without due process. Critics called the action politically motivated to silence her outspoken advocacy.

Since her return, the senator has been actively engaged in legislative work. She recently:

Sponsored an amendment to the Criminal Code Act (2025) to strengthen penalties for gender-based violence.

Introduced a bill to establish a National Centre for Autism and six zonal centers for early diagnosis and support.

The projects to be commissioned include:

Solar-powered boreholes for rural communities

Women’s skills acquisition and training centers

Youth empowerment and vocational programs

Political observers view the invitation as a strategic gesture of reconciliation. “By bringing the Senate President to her home state, Senator Natasha is not just showcasing results, she’s rebuilding bridges,” said a senior legislative aide.

The event will highlight her focus on grassroots development despite past political battles. Elected in 2023 amid legal challenges, Akpoti-Uduaghan has built a reputation as a vocal advocate for women, youth, and rural infrastructure in Kogi Central.

Whether Senate President Akpabio will attend remains to be seen, but the invitation has already sparked positive reactions in the Red Chamber.

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NewsPoliticsTrendingUncategorizedWomen in politics

INEC Rejects Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially rejected a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing its failure to meet constitutional requirements.

 

In a statement released on Thursday, INEC disclosed that the petition, submitted by some constituents of Kogi Central, did not satisfy Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

This section mandates that a recall petition must be supported by signatures from more than half of the registered voters in the constituency. With Kogi Central having 474,554 registered voters, the petition required at least 237,278 valid signatures to proceed. However, after a thorough verification process, INEC confirmed only 208,132 signatures, equating to 43.86%—falling short by 29,146 signatures.

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the matter,” INEC stated via its official X account, @INECNigeria.

The recall effort stemmed from controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6, 2025, for alleged “gross misconduct” following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Some constituents, citing her suspension and dissatisfaction with her conduct, initiated the recall process, submitting the petition to INEC on March 24. The commission had initially acknowledged receipt of the petition, accompanied by six bags of documents purportedly containing over 250,000 signatures.

Despite the petitioners’ claims, INEC’s verification revealed discrepancies, including the cancellation of approximately 35,000 signatures during the administrative review. The constituents, led by spokesperson Salihu Habib, expressed frustration but vowed to persist, asserting that the validated 43.86% still reflected widespread discontent with the senator. “We will liaise with INEC within the full ambit of the constitution to demand transparency,” Habib said in a statement, hinting at potential further action.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, celebrated the decision as a victory for democracy. In a post on Social Media, she praised INEC, stating, “INEC Nigeria, you did well. Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan Proudly Kogi Central.” In a subsequent statement, she took a swipe at her detractors, including former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, claiming, “God has put to shame anti-democratic forces plotting my recall, including one of the most wanted persons by the EFCC.”

INEC emphasized that the review adhered to its 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall, ensuring fairness and due process. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, defended the commission’s impartiality on Channels Television’s Politics Today, dismissing allegations of bias. “The petitioners failed to meet legal requirements. There’s no partisanship here,” he said.

The rejection marks the end of this recall attempt, though questions linger about whether the process could be reinitiated. Oyekanmi noted that the law does not explicitly limit repeat petitions, leaving room for speculation about future political maneuvers in Kogi Central.

 

 

 

 

 

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NewsTrending

Nigerian Women Rally for Gender Equality Amid Tariff Concerns.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

As Nigeria goes through a shifting economic landscape with the looming implementation of new U.S. tariffs set to begin on April 5, women across the country are raising their voices to ensure their perspectives are not sidelined. Today, a coalition of women’s rights organizations gathered in Abuja to demand greater inclusion in economic policy discussions, highlighting how trade changes could disproportionately affect women-led businesses and households.

The rally, organized by groups such as Women Advocates for Economic Justice (WAEJ) and TechHerNG, comes just days before the U.S. is expected to impose a 10% tariff on Nigerian exports, with a specific 14% rate targeting Nigeria, according to recent reports. These tariffs, part of President Donald Trump’s trade policy, are anticipated to impact key sectors like agriculture and textiles—industries where women play a significant role as producers and entrepreneurs.

“We cannot afford to be silent when decisions that affect our livelihoods are being made,” said Amina Yusuf, a spokesperson for WAEJ. “Women make up a large portion of Nigeria’s informal economy, and these tariffs could push many families deeper into poverty. We need a seat at the table.”

The demonstration saw hundreds of women march peacefully through the capital, carrying placards with messages like “Protect Women’s Work” and “Equality in Trade.” Participants called on the Nigerian government to prioritize gender-sensitive policies as it prepares to send a delegation to Washington to negotiate against the trade measures, as announced by Lesotho’s Trade Minister earlier this week in a similar context.

Economic analysts suggest that the tariffs could exacerbate existing challenges for Nigerian women, who already face limited access to credit, land ownership, and political representation. With Nigeria ranked 179th globally for women’s representation in parliament, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, advocates argue that the lack of female voices in decision-making amplifies these vulnerabilities.

The rally also spotlighted the resilience of Nigerian women amid adversity. Folake Adebayo, a textile trader from Lagos, shared her story: “I employ 15 women to weave and sell fabrics. If these tariffs raise costs or cut our exports, we’ll struggle to survive. The government must listen to us.”

In response, the Ministry of Women Affairs issued a statement acknowledging the concerns and promising to collaborate with trade officials to address gender impacts. However, activists remain skeptical, pointing to past unfulfilled commitments, including President Bola Tinubu’s unmet pledge to ensure 35% female representation in his cabinet.

As the April 5 deadline approaches, today’s rally is set on a broader call for empowerment and equity.

 

 

 

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NewsTrendingWomen in Nigeria

Pregnant Woman’s Death in Lagos Hospital Sparks Anger Over High Fees.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

A pregnant woman named Kemi died in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, after a private hospital reportedly refused to treat her because her family couldn’t pay a ₦500,000 deposit. The tragic story, first shared by Kemi’s husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, in February, went viral on April 2, 2025, after @Drweloveu posted about it on X, leading to widespread anger.

Folajimi said Kemi was in labor and needed urgent care, but the hospital demanded ₦500,000 upfront. Unable to pay, they were sent to a general hospital in Epe, but Kemi passed away on the way. A video shows Folajimi begging Kemi to stay awake, saying, “Kemi, look at me. Stay strong for our kids.” Official reports confirm the hospital’s deposit policy, though the full details of Kemi’s death are still being investigated, according to Tribune Online.

This incident has upset many people because Nigeria already has a high rate of maternal deaths, over 800 per 100,000 births, according to health data. Many women die from issues like bleeding or infections that can be treated if care is given on time. Users across social media platforms, have few opinions on how to avoid issues like this through insurance, users like @Ne0_0fficiall

said health insurance could have saved Kemi. “I used my insurance in Lagos and paid nothing for treatment,” they wrote. @Oyshia_oy

added that ₦54,750 can cover a pregnant woman for two years with insurance.

The story shows big problems in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Many hospitals lack enough staff or equipment, and a 2019 study showed that some healthcare workers aren’t well-trained for emergencies like Kemi’s. The government has a health insurance program to help, but many people don’t use it because they don’t know about it or it’s not working well.

People on X are calling for change. @Oluwamidunsin suggested pregnant women register at government hospitals for cheaper care. @Drpenking, a doctor, shared how he once paid for a patient’s treatment but wasn’t paid back, explaining why some hospitals ask for money first. @Drweloveu’s group, Love for Health, is asking for donations to help others in need, sharing a Zenith Bank account (1229255323).

Kemi’s death has made many Nigerians demand better healthcare so no more mothers die because they can’t pay hospital fees.

 

 

 

 

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NewsTrendingUncategorized

We Live in Fear”: Women in Southern Nigeria Speak Out After Mob Violence Claims 16 Lives

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The smell of burning tires still lingers in the air of Uromi, a town in southern Nigeria’s Edo State, where a mob brutally killed 16 suspected kidnappers last week. For the women of this community, the horrific incident—where victims were beaten and some set ablaze—is not just a headline; it’s a stark reminder of the insecurity that shadows their daily lives.

“We heard the screams that night,” said Blessing Osagie, a 32-year-old mother of three who lives near the site of the attack. “I locked my doors and held my children close, praying it wouldn’t come to us. But the truth is, we’re never safe—not from kidnappers, not from mobs, not from anything.” Her voice trembled as she recounted the chaos that erupted after local security found weapons in a truck, sparking the deadly vigilante response.

The victims, reportedly northern Hausa hunters, were accused of being kidnappers, a charge that fueled the mob’s rage. While the incident wasn’t specifically about women, it amplifies a broader crisis that women in southern Nigeria say leaves them uniquely vulnerable. Kidnapping for ransom has surged in recent years, with women and girls often targeted for abduction, sexual violence, or forced labor. Yet, the rise of mob justice, as seen in Uromi, adds another layer of terror.

“Men might join the mob or fight back, but what can we do?” asked Chioma Eze, a 45-year-old trader in Uromi’s bustling market. “If kidnappers come, we’re the ones they take. If a mob forms, we’re the ones hiding, afraid of being caught in the crossfire or accused of something we didn’t do.” Eze pointed to the growing distrust in police and government, which she says pushes communities to take matters into their own hands—often with devastating consequences.

Amnesty International reports that at least 13 women have been victims of mob violence in Nigeria over the past decade, often accused of witchcraft or petty crimes in southern regions like Edo. For women like Eze, the Uromi killings are a grim echo of this trend. “They say it’s justice, but it’s just more violence,” she said. “And it’s us—women, mothers, daughters—who pay the price when everything falls apart.”

The Edo State government has condemned the killings, with Governor Monday Okpebholo vowing to prosecute those responsible. Four arrests have been made, but for women here, official promises ring hollow. “The police can’t stop kidnappers, and they can’t stop mobs,” said Fatima Yusuf, a 28-year-old nurse. “We’re left to fend for ourselves, but how? I can’t sleep at night, wondering if my clinic will be next—or if I’ll be dragged out for helping the wrong person.”

The incident has reignited calls from women’s groups for better security and an end to vigilante justice. “We need protection, not more bloodshed,” said Mercy Igbinosa, a local activist with the South-South Women’s Network. “Women are raising families in this chaos, and we’re tired of being collateral damage. The government must act—more police, more patrols, more trust—so we don’t have to live like this.”

For the women of southern Nigeria, the mob’s actions last week were not a solution but a symptom of a deeper wound. “We want peace,” Osagie whispered, clutching her youngest child. “But peace feels so far away when every day is a fight to survive.”

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

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