I always feel sorry for them, don't really buy some of their stuffs, but I do give money and say a silent prayer for them, asking God to bless their hustle.. It aint easy..... If only

anonimi:


The solution is to focus on our state gorvernors and LGA chairmen's performance on such BASIC things like ensuring ALL our children receive PROPER education from PROFESSIONAL qualified teachers.
Focusing SOLELY on the federal government's performance while these two tiers are stealing recklessly from us is a recipe for continuing disaster.

I bet you have no idea what poverty is. The 1st step is to empower the parents of those kids and also enact a law that prohibits children hawking during school hours.

even if u patronise dem and dey go home early their parents will still send back with more wares to sell. i feel d government is in d best position 2 deal with did problem.

SkinnyDude:
i always patronize them and after buying from them. i dont fail to ask them this question "how many are you in your family?". i start hearing 7, 8, 9 and sometimes 10. i just check my head and give up.

i blame those parents who give birth to children they cant take care of.. i really wish FG could pass One-Child bill. atleast, it will help.

[size=16pt]THANK YOU! MANY OF THE FOOLS COMPLAINING ABOUT CHILD LABOUR (HAWKING) ARE NOT READY FOR SOME OF THE SOLUTIONS. THEY ARE AGAINST CONTRACEPTIVES AND ABORTION. WHY WILL A PEPPER-SELLER OR TAXI DRIVER HAVE 10 CHILDREN?

THE SOLUTIONS FOR THIS ISSUE ARE
1) GET THE GOVERNMENT TO FOCUS ON WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE AND POVERTY
2) GET THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND FREE SCHOOLING. THEN MAKE IT MANDATORY.
3) GET FAMILY PLANNING MESSAGES TO THE PUBLIC. CHURCHES/MOSQUES SHOULDNT BE ALLOWED TO PREACH ANTI-CONDOM MESSAGES
4) UNICEF AND OTHER CHILDREN'S WELFARE NGOS SHOULD BE INVOLVED[/size]

[deleted]

JackBizzle:




[size=16pt]THANK YOU! MANY OF THE FOOLS COMPLAINING ABOUT CHILD LABOUR (HAWKING) ARE NOT READY FOR SOME OF THE SOLUTIONS. THEY ARE AGAINST CONTRACEPTIVES AND ABORTION. WHY WILL A PEPPER-SELLER OR TAXI DRIVER HAVE 10 CHILDREN?

THE SOLUTIONS FOR THIS ISSUE ARE
1) GET THE GOVERNMENT TO FOCUS ON WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE AND POVERTY
2) GET THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND FREE SCHOOLING. THEN MAKE IT MANDATORY.
3) GET FAMILY PLANNING MESSAGES TO THE PUBLIC. CHURCHES/MOSQUES SHOULDNT BE ALLOWED TO PREACH ANTI-CONDOM MESSAGES
4) UNICEF AND OTHER CHILDREN'S WELFARE NGOS SHOULD BE INVOLVED[/size]

family planning is really important.
let me use myself as an example. we are two- my kid sister and i. our mum is the bread winner. we have never hawked or done menial job, because she provides everything for us. had it been we were 6 or 7, problem would have come in. and we no dey rich oh!

anonimi:


The solution is to focus on our state gorvernors and LGA chairmen's performance on such BASIC things like ensuring ALL our children receive PROPER education from PROFESSIONAL qualified teachers.
Focusing SOLELY on the federal government's performance while these two tiers are stealing recklessly from us is a recipe for continuing disaster.

Seconded.

Not each time GEJ this, GEJ that.

mehn Nigeria on the pact of.........

drsteroid:
I do feel sorry 4 them wheneva I see them..what annoys me most is that their parents or whoever sends them to hawk will just give them rotten or unripe fruits e.g cherry to hawk around in hot sun knowing fully that its hard for them to get someone to buy such fruits or goods..some of the goods they give them to hawk and roam about with,are not even up to 50naira sometimes..I see it more as wickedness..- think poverty shudnt be confused with wickedness..its really time for the govt 2 make a law against child hawking.

You've said it all. 'Wickedness shouldn't be confused for poverty'. Many of such 'less privilege' parents will seat at home gossiping or drinking theirselves to hell,while their children are on the street hawking. let me not go into details cause there are many of such examples around. Like I said before, it is better for the parent/guidance to engage in menial labour to fend for his/her ward than to engage them in such. In fact; if you can't take care of them,why have them?

Enosa1:
Walking through the streets of Benin,many streets in Nigeria-infact many parts of the world-its not uncommon to see little children ranging from 5-13yrs hawking goods like purewater,groundnut. Some are also bus conductors.

Whenever I see such,two thoughts flash through my mind.
One is: Patronize this little child so he/she get home on time.
The other:don't patronize the little child,in that way, you discourage such practice.

So nairalanders, what do you do in such cases?

I think it's better to deal with an ailment head on instead of battling with the symptoms.

If I squeeze U enh!

blizard44:



Your oustanding dues are going riot and walking naked.

Pay your dues!

Pay your dues!!

Nairaland aint a charity organisation

The issue of street hawking shouldn't be a debatable matter whether to patronise them or not. Street hawking cuts across several age groups from kids in their early teens to people in their late 20's n so on. The scenerio here is like trying to ask:
Why will a man start okada riding business or why will a young guy start pushing barrow to carry people's loads in market places. U all know the answer. A situation where the parents are seemingly old to start hawking on the streets, they use their kids instead. Some say its child abuse, well if u were in their shoes, u'll understand what they are going through. U'll be surprised that even if its just 500 naira sales they could make for a day to support their family, they will be grateful. Sometimes you can't blame people for being poor, u thank God for what u have. And if its sufficient u can use it to support those who don't have.

GboyegaD:


I bet you have no idea what poverty is. The 1st step is to empower the parents of those kids and also enact a law that prohibits children hawking during school hours.

And how do you empower them when the state governors and LGA chairmen steal all our money instead of EMPLOYING these parents and paying them well & on time
Please tell us!

These two tiers need to regularly RECRUIT and maintain well trained staff to provide some BASIC services and utilities that they are constitutionally RESPONSIBLE for such as =>

- TAP water
- FEEDER roads (83% of ALL roads in Nigeria are for the states and LGAs)
- free & compulsoray education for ALL our children
- Primary health clinics and General hospitals

There are other activities that they are responsible for, such as environmental sanitation of common public spaces, that will involve recruitment of THOUSANDS of people from cleaner to supervisor, manager & directors by the 774 LGAs

eleojo23:
I like how you put the emphasis on the state and local governments. People often forget that they exist, that's why they always focus on the federal government. The state and local governments are closer to the people and should be able to effectively manage things like this. Over the years, the state and local governments have done little to help the populace and that's why we are where we are today. And the sad part is people don't know who to hold responsible for certain things in this country. For instance, when someone's tap water is not running or the road leading to his house is bad, what does he do? He rains curses on the federal government (and whoever is the president) for it.

Since we know they don't care...why not have few kids? na poor man sabi fucck pass!

ferdimako:

Since we know they don't care...why not have few kids? na poor man sabi fucck pass!

So na as person sabi fvk reach na im det determine how many pikins im go have
Since when did love-making = baby making

If you pay someone to do a job and he does not do it, is the next thing for you to overlook his non-performance and REDUCE your expectation?
Is that how our "superior" fellow homo sapiens in those developed places we like to run to deal with such issues?
Do we not even have many Nigerians on voluntary slavery in those cold places working in these areas with the equivalents of the state and LGAs?

For how much longer shall we remain MUMUS?

ok

I remember some time ago in PH city I bought a perfume from one small boy like that, say 12 years old tops. The way the guy was thanking me eh, I think it's cos I didnt price the perfume. I felt so fulfilled that day. I guess my point is, why shouldn't I patronize what they sell? So many millionaires started at young ages like them. At least it's better than watching them beg on the streets.

another issue is , if your take home is 50000 naira /month why having so many kids?

Interesting topic.


While child labour is illegal, and frowned at, sometimes you just can't help but patronise these children because patronising them is as good as supporting them and putting food on their table. Poverty is the root cause. Sadly, not all of them really want to do this, but they don't have an option. Consequently, they are 'bread-winners' in their respective homes.

Someone shared her opinion here too: www.rsnnigeria..nl/2014/11/boys-on-street_8.html?m=1

Enosa1:
Walking through the streets of Benin,many streets in Nigeria-infact many parts of the world-its not uncommon to see little children ranging from 5-13yrs hawking goods like purewater,groundnut. Some are also bus conductors.

Whenever I see such,two thoughts flash through my mind.
One is: Patronize this little child so he/she get home on time.
The other:don't patronize the little child,in that way, you discourage such practice.

So nairalanders, what do you do in such cases?

The bold is better because i have seen where a mother scolded a child for not selling or sells up expectation
I like the comment below

JustCurious:
Interesting topic.
While child labour is illegal, and frowned at, sometimes you just can't help but patronise these children because patronising them is as good as supporting them and putting food on their table. Poverty is the root cause. Sadly, not all of them really want to do this, but they don't have an option. Consequently, they are 'bread-winners' in their respective homes.
Someone shared her opinion here too: www.rsnnigeria..nl/2014/11/boys-on-street_8.html?m=1

i dont buy from an under age child

Enosa1:
Walking through the streets of Benin,many streets in Nigeria-infact many parts of the world-its not uncommon to see little children ranging from 5-13yrs hawking goods like purewater,groundnut. Some are also bus conductors.

Whenever I see such,two thoughts flash through my mind.
One is: Patronize this little child so he/she get home on time.
The other:don't patronize the little child,in that way, you discourage such practice.

So nairalanders, what do you do in such cases?

Their st*upid parents shouldn't have kids if they can't take care their children.
It is very wrong. It's called Child labor and endangerment, which is an international crime. The children supposed to be taken away from their poor parents by the Government and placed in a child Care centers. Unfortunately, the useless and corrupt Nigerian government doesn't care.

Though I won't say I support them totally,I won't also say I blame them all the same,coming frm such a background too. Though some this days,some family just bring kids from the village and subject them to this wicked labour.
Myself and my other siblings hawked,none was exempted. We've hawked stuff rangin from broom,bananas,oranges,palm oil etc to vegetables,the latter being that my late mum was a farmer. On normal days after school,we're home and by 4pm after eating and having your bath,you carry your wares and by 7pm you're back home. On saturdays its usually vegetables and palm oil,you leave by 7am or so and by 3pm u shd be home. Those days were fun esp d weekends wen I have sold all my stuff and d end of my wrapper is fat,lool! I know my mum will cook something nice for us. I was always happy to make mony for her because things were not going well. That's why its impt for the man to plan for the family ahead,never allow ur actions turn a wife into a breadwinner,never! That poor woman saw hell and I feel pained evertyime I remember she's no more,ddnt evn wait to eat!
And then it has its down sides too;kids are exposed to dangers of accidents,molestations even rape! I remember few incidences that I know it was God dat spoke to me evn as a 10-12yr old. Some will tell u "com insid" why not buy it now and pay me? SMH! But also had its ups side too:we had very 1daful people who let us into their houses,giv us fud,clothes,toys and gift,lettin us play wit the kids. Jus dat nowadays kids don't tak it as biz were u hawk,go hom and rest,som will drop d wares by d gutter and go to watch WWE or indian movies,then com bak wit nothing! I see dem a lot dis days!
God help us all sha,Someday we will get it right:the family and the society we live in!

Stop patronizing this kids because if they go home early, their mother or guardian will send them second round sales and applaud them, if their mother beats them for 3 days, she will put the market on her head by herself. The best is government should seize those kids found on street and not return them to their parents except they pay fine as punishment or possible 1 month imprisonment.

It's tough. I don't like hawking but it's preferable to begging on the streets. I don't know why families where the breadwinner's salary is N30,000/month and it may be delayed some months, will have more than 1 kid and happily say "children are from God", then expect society to take care of them for you.

Local and state Governments are very corrupt and we should hold them accountable to providing programs to keep kids off the street. Nigeria is lucky we don't have a strong drug culture like in the US, because these kids would be armed with guns, selling drugs and shooting at themselves.

We need to pass a 2 child-policy. Max. But other societal problems will arise, if a family's 2 kids are girls, there will be a fight for boy children. We will end up like China (it'll work for some years and later become a detriment).

englishmart:
I do patronise them like maaaadd!
What do you expect of Children from poor families, who don't don't have what it takes to rent shops for trading or whatever?

I see them every time. Especially at wuse and life-camp...

They bring their products and services to your car windows...
You don't have to park then alight to buy gala, lacasera or a sachet of water....

Honestly I feel very sorry for those children....
Most times I let them have my balance...

If they don't hawk, ends won't meet...

Berger junction, Gwarinpa/dawaki junction, dutse 1st gate, down to maraba/Nyanya... Its pathetic hw these kids run after a moving car jus for 10N pure water

Weselion:
The funniest part is, if they are not able to sell at least half of the goods, their mothers will beat the hell out of them.

Its not about buying or not buying from them, the federal government should just ban it. I'm sure we have children welfare groups in this country and they are not doing anything about it

As sensible and reasonable as ur comment is, I believe banning it is creating a bigger problem. As much as I understand d system of governance in the country, I believe they create problems more than they solve it. This kids are indigent citizens, d only way they can take care of themslevs legally is tru dis medium. Taking it away frm them makes life miserable more for them. They'l become desperate to do anything damning d consequences, cos they believe there's nothing to loose. I believe we as individuals should do something to help too. We can take up responsibility for this kids if we are capable of doing it too. They may turn out to be armed robbers or assasins that can be payed against us. We can adopt and care for them. That's the definition of love.

I'm currently working on my BSc project, and my topic is STREET TRADING AND INCOME GENERATION AMONG YOUTHS IN BENIN CITY. You would agree with me that street trading is the largest sector of the very large informal economy in most developing countries Nigeria included. The issue at hand goes beyond "right or wrong", "morally acceptable of not". Well I'm on the other side of the argument that sees street trading activity as a "life saver" in terms of generating income for families and also reducing social vices in its own quota. After interviewing these youths (aged 13-30 tops, for my research purpose) via questionnaire and one-on-one interaction, it may interest you to know that some of them are getting quality education at the moment and at the same time assisting their parents in generating income for living. On the other hand, some of the youth street traders don't even have formal education. So the argument goes on,I'm still on the process of empirically proving my stand that street trading activities among youths in benin city has done more good than harm to the lives of the families involved and the economy at large.

I stay in ekosodin, when the comrade governor in the person of his excellency adams oshiomole placed a ban on. bikes(okada) in ekosodin Beinn city just behind UNIBEN, for the 1st 3weeks to 1 and the half month bros we had sleepless night. The hostel robbery increased and the " street obtaining also increased." After the 1st 2month, keke-napep and taxis were "fully" introduced and the crime rate decreased to a minimal (mind you not totally).

So yet again, the arguments goes on. But in my point of view, leave the children/youths to engage in street trading activities. If we are ready to curb street trading activities among youths/children then I suggest that the Government at all tiers, relevant organizations and the community need to have a round table discussion. Until then, LET THE CHILDREN/YOUTH TRADE FREELY ON THE STREES if not for anything at least for the very fact that the positive side of the coin sustains families and reduces social vices to a minimum.

My work is still in progress...