CHILD SAFETY AND NATIONAL SECURITY: THE NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE

The great scientist, Albert Einstein, once wrote that 'the easiest way to destroy a nation is to first destroy a child'. Presently, the world is faced with the enormous task of ensuring the safety of children, and this has proved a serious challenge for many individuals, parents, non-govermental organizations and the society as a whole.
Child safety is the protection given to children and young adults, who are below 16 years of age or termed 'minors'. Therefore, child safety in relation to national security is a set of governmental policies and services designed to protect children and young adults and prevent exploitation. However, in many West African countries, especially Nigeria, children face a high risk of exploitation.
Due to the decline in the economy in recent years, children are forces to work at a tender age in order to survive. Child labor often happens under difficult conditions which are dangerous to a child's well-being. It impairs the education of the future citizens and increases their vulnerability to abuse from adults. It is difficult to ascertain the exact age and number of children who work in order to survive, but in 2004, an estimated 15 million Nigerian children below the age of 11 were engaged in child labor. However this figure is likely to be an underestimation as domestic labor was not

included.
In Nigeria, female children are at times forced into early marriages and at times prostitution by either their parents or guardians. An estimated one in every female children in Nigeria are married before the age of 16. Furthermore, as a result of this, Nigerian female teenagers are most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. Other contributing factors are rape, sexual molestation or abuse by close relations. Most of these sexual offenses are not reported because of the stigma involved. A case study taken in 2006 by UNICEF stated that one in every five children living in Nigeria is vulnerable to sexual abuse and a higher percentage are likely to be infected with sexual transmitted diseases or HIV/AIDS.
There is also the increasing rate of infanticide, the killing of new born babies which continues in this part of the world despite the public awareness and education available in the country. Many newborn babies, especially female infants, are sometimes killed due to the desire for a male heir. although the incidences have reduced lately, there is still a large percentage being killed.
Child trafficking which is the third most profitable illegal business after drug trafficking and weapon sales has also proved to be a huge problem for Nigeria and her national security. A report on child trafficking presented by the United Nations states that an estimated number of 45 million children children have been trafficked in Africa alone between 1991-2008 with Nigeria accounting for 50% of that figure. The issue has become pandemic in Nigeria as a result of poverty, greed, domestic violence, corruption, unemployment and a host of other factors, all of which has lead to large number of human rights abuses
Furthermore, the is the issue of 'Boko Haram' meaning 'Western education is a sin'. Education which is a fundamental human right of every child bord has been declared a sin by this radical Islamic group and has been the focus of widespread attacks. The group has been disavowed by many prominent Islamic leaders and scholars, including the sultan of sokoto, as betraying all fundamental tenets of Islam. Nevertheless, a lot of secondary school have been killed and many more injures. About 2 years ago, over 200 secondary school students were kidnapped from GGSS Chibok. Two of them were recovered recently by the Nigerian Army. The act wass termed 'inhumane' by former president Goodluck Jonathan and several well meaning Nigerians, which led to the offensive attack by the military determined to put 'an end' to their destructive activities. However, this has not reassured many parents of the safety of their wards and most children have been withdrawn from school in the affected areas.

Moreover, there is the issue of neglect and failure of parents and guardians  and even law enforcement agencies to take adequate measures to safeguard children from harm and ensure that they live up to their expectations by providing for their basic needs and giving them attention. there was a time when a police officer was fined 10 million for raping a two year-old. How terrible!

There is also the harm posed by the social media which many depraved individuals have used as an avenue to commit heinous acts. An example is the rape of a 14 year old-girl by a 45 year-old man who convinced her through the popular social media site, facebook, to meet him in an unknown location. Although investigations are still ongoing, the scars left on the innocent girl will haunt her forever.
The mass media must also shoulder its own responsibility. the increasing rate of violence and sexuality shown by 'entertainment' media has rubbed of negatively on Nigerian children. A recent study conducted on some prisoners  under 18 years showed that one out of three criminals caught breaking the law did so as a result of the films they had watched on television.
In conclusion, as the human right activist and renowned politician. NELSON MANDELA once said "to safeguard a child's future starts from you and me'. If we all join hands and fight to protect the Nigerian child then may be Nigeria will be a safe place for the growth of future leaders. The federal government should intensify it's efforts in fighting for child safety and the good works of NACA, NAPTIP, UNICEF and other non-governmental agencies should be encouraged.the effort of all corporate bodies, armed forces and foster and adoption services should also be recognized  and appreciated. It is sincerely hoped that all these bodies do not relent in their efforts to protect the Nigerian child so that in due time, Nigeria may become the safest place to raise a child.