16/02/2026
Some time ago, I go visit one old friend wey I follow attend University of Benin. The guy dey stay close to school gate, so I decide make I wait for the stupid boy called Pablo for Nadia Bakery opposite UNIBEN main gate.
I don siddon with one chilled Coke, dey watch young lovers dey whisper wetin dem sef no understand, dey remember my own small boy days, when one small girl tap me.
“Excuse me sir, we are from blablabla church and we would like you to support our daily devotional.”
This girl no go pass 16. From her look, na fresher. The girl tired well well. Stress full her face. The other ones wey follow her be like photocopy — same age, same tired look.
I come recognise the pastor face for the devotional. Fine suit. Correct hair. Ministry don big pass before when him church still dey Newton Street.
Make we talk truth — this thing no be only church matter. Na law matter.
Child Rights Act for Nigeria talk say you no fit use pikin for hawking, begging, or public money collection. If you do am, na criminal offence and fit land person for prison. The same law still talk say you no fit push pikin enter work wey go exploit dem or put dem for danger.
Simple translation:
Pikin no be POS machine.
Pikin no be marketing strategy.
Pikin no be fundraising department.
Devotionals full everywhere — free ones plenty pass rice for party. Your own no be Holy Grail. If you must sell am, carry your two legs waka sell am yourself.
If na my pikin, na police station and court straight we go — no long talk.
Because law no dey hear:
“Na pastor.”
“Na church work.”
“Na ministry.”
Law go just ask one question:
Why you use minor?
Ignorance no be excuse.
Abeg — make we leave children make dem be children. No turn them to street marketers in the name of religion.
Kebonkwu Valentine
University of Benin
Ogualu Favour
Akpobome Okpako
