In many towns and cities across Northern Nigeria, it is common to see young girls walking the streets, holding bowls in their hands, asking for money or food. These girls are very young, sometimes only five or six years old. They are often barefoot, tired, and hungry. Most people pass by them without noticing or caring. But these girls are not just beggars—they are children with dreams, feelings, and futures.

I live in Sokoto, and I see these girls every day. Many come from poor homes or villages where families cannot take care of them. Some are sent to the city to study under Islamic teachers, but they end up begging on the streets. Others are orphans or victims of conflict. They do not choose this life. Life chooses it for them.

What hurts me the most is that many people think this is normal. People have become used to seeing children—especially girls—begging. It has become part of everyday life. But this is not right. These children are suffering. They should be in school, learning and playing, not begging and facing danger.

One day, I spoke to a 10-year-old girl named Fatima. She told me she wanted to become a nurse. She said her younger sister died in their village because there was no hospital nearby. Fatima wanted to help other children so they wouldn’t suffer as her sister did. But instead of being in school, Fatima was begging on the streets, facing the hot sun, hunger, and sometimes harassment. Her dream is slowly fading.

There are many girls like Fatima. They have hopes, but their environment does not support them. They are trapped in a cycle of poverty, neglect, and silence. No one is speaking for them. That is why I decided to write about this issue. I believe writing is a way to give voice to those who are not heard.

I am currently working on a book called “Barace-Baracen Yara Mata: Babbar Gadar Zare Ce a Arewacin Nigeria”, which means “Girl-Child Begging: A Big Problem in Northern Nigeria.” In this book, I share real stories of girls like Fatima. I want people to understand their pain and struggles, and I want to call for change.

But writing alone is not enough. We need to act. We need better laws to protect children. We need to ensure that all girls go to school. We need to support poor families so they don’t have to send their children to beg. Religious and traditional leaders must also speak out against this problem. They have the power to change minds and communities.

We must remember that these girls are not just numbers. They are not just street beggars. They are daughters, sisters, and future mothers. They are the leaders of tomorrow. If we fail them today, we fail our society tomorrow.

I know change is not easy. But it begins with awareness. It begins with caring. It begins with seeing these girls as human beings who deserve love, safety, and opportunity. Every child, no matter where they are born, has the right to a better life.

Let us stop ignoring them. Let us start helping them. Not with pity, but with justice. They deserve to be seen. They deserve to be heard. And most importantly, they deserve to be free from a life of begging.

If we work together, we can build a better future—one where no girl is left behind, and every child can grow up with dignity and hope.

About the Author

Adamu Sulaiman Bawa is a Nigerian author, peace advocate, and social development worker. He writes books and articles to raise awareness about issues affecting youth and vulnerable populations. He has worked with NGOs, government bodies, and humanitarian groups across Nigeria and Africa. Through storytelling, he seeks to inspire change and give a voice to the voiceless.