This is a topic that I have so many questions about, my country, Nigeria.
First, let me start by saying I have always assumed there aren't any child services in Nigeria, and I have always found it disturbing.
But while reading some of the posts, I came across one that said there are child services in Nigeria, and I was like, “What the heck?”
So I did a little search, and I was quite shocked. Now I know I have seen videos of some people helping children in need, but I don't think these rare acts of help are backed by any child services.
And it was disturbing when I thought there were no child services, but somehow after my little search, it became more disturbing because there are child services, but they seem to be ghost organizations.
Now, during my search,, I found that only 24 states have passed the CHILD RIGHTS ACT. Meaning there are still 12 states that, for some reason, have not passed this law since the year 2003. And even though they do end up passing this law to protect their children, I do hope we get to hear the reason it took so long.
Now I have even seen in movies how sometimes in foreign countries, child services break up homes. But I am going to be totally honest. I envy these countries that complain. At least it shows they are doing some work.
To be honest, no matter what, I can't stand against child services as long as they are doing what they need to do for a better life for these children. Although we know that some parts of the system always get corrupt, and sometimes some may act out of spite or even racism under the mask of doing their jobs. But as long as they do whatever they do with pure intentions and with the best interest of the children in mind, then they have my total support.
And I have noticed how child services are related to family issues, mostly.
Well, that is not the only thing they do. For example, I will mention a few things and reasons we need them in Nigeria:
The rate of child labor in Nigeria will stun you. I see children two times younger than me hawking on the streets.
Little children are used as maids, which I am sure is also child labor. But it doesn't just end there. These children are abused by their masters (yes, I used the word masters because some disgusting things done to these children just because they aren't the biological children of their masters is as bad as slavery that our ancestors suffered). If you see the things done to these children, you wouldn't believe that most of the people who do them are parents! Mothers of all people!
Children are deprived of education. Most of them don't even know they have rights (at least in some states where these rights exist).
And many of these child rights are also violated by parents. Yes, some parents do worse than a stranger can do to their biological children.
So when you ask me the question; "do you think that from time to time, they take things too far and end up breaking up homes?"
My answer will be, well, the child service won't be able to get into your homes and break into your homes if they have no reason to be there.
As for the state of my dear country, Nigeria, at this point, I am starting to believe only God can save us. I can't even blame the child services we have. I mean a whole 12 states, if the government isn't even trying to make children's lives better, then there isn't much they can do alone.
All this always got me thinking, that song we children were taught in schools that goes “we are the leaders of tomorrow”. Was there a reason we were taught that song or is it just all bullshit, just a random song?