Executive Secretary, National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education in Nigeria, Dr Mohammad Idris, said “If you choose to have a child, you must also take responsibility for raising them.”
He made the statement during an interview with Punch correspondent emphasising that these children, if neglected, will become a growing nuisance to the society while stating that
the country is experiencing a rise in the number of Almajiris because parents are neglecting their responsibilities.
During the interview, Idris stated categorically that this trend needs to be stopped through government policies which the society must embrace for the good of everyone.
Idris explained, “Actually, the rise of the Almajiri phenomenon is due to some people having children and neglecting their responsibilities.
“They simply give birth and send their children to mallams without providing for their well-being.
“In Nigeria, those days of abandoning children to the streets must end. Enough is enough. We are tired of this chaos.
“Boko Haram has exploited these children, especially since many of the Almajiris are unaware of the true teachings of the Holy Quran. Boko Haram has taken advantage of this ignorance, giving them distorted interpretations that are contrary to the Quran’s real message.
“This manipulation gave them the audacity to take up arms against Nigeria and its people. This must stop.”
He maintained that anyone who wants to have children must be prepared to cater for the needs of those children and take full responsibility.
“If you choose to have a child, you must also take responsibility for raising them. What we’re doing now is sensitisation and advocacy, going door to door to gain support.”
He reiterated government responsibilities of making and enforcing policies that will benefit everyone promising that government will rise to his responsibilities without leaving any stone unturned but also called for collaboration among all arms of government at every level to help in curbing the menace of making children to roam the streets.
“However, this is the government, and we cannot continue to reject government policies while producing children who cause societal problems. We must ensure that things are done right, and everyone must be held accountable. All government agencies will collaborate to ensure that when people fail to comply with policies, the full force of government action will be enforced.”