By Zainab Faruk
The Bauchi State Shari’a Commission, in collaboration with the Almuhibbah Foundation, has organised a one-day public sensitisation programme to address the growing problem of girl-child street hawking across the state.
Speaking during the event, the Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, said the menace of young girls roaming the streets to hawk goods is rooted in poverty, poor parental supervision, and moral decay within families and communities.
“The reason many of our girls are on the streets is not because they enjoy hawking,” she said. “It is because many parents, especially fathers, have failed in their responsibility to care for their families. As fathers, you are obliged to feed, clothe, and provide shelter for your wives and children. Neglecting these duties leads to the social problems we are witnessing today.”
The First Lady further urged men to live up to their God-given responsibilities. “Islam did not compel anyone to marry more than one wife or to marry at all if he cannot afford to provide for his family,” she explained. “It is better to engage in honest work and charity than to take on burdens one cannot handle.”
The First Lady further urged men to live up to their God-given responsibilities. “Islam did not compel anyone to marry more than one wife or to marry at all if he cannot afford to provide for his family,” she explained. “It is better to engage in honest work and charity than to take on burdens one cannot handle.”
Hajiya Aishatu called on mothers to also play their part in raising responsible children. “We, as mothers, must fear God and support our husbands in nurturing our children. We should send our daughters to school instead of pushing them into street hawking. During our time, women sold food items, but it was done in a more decent and regulated manner. Today, things have changed, and hawking exposes girls to exploitation and moral corruption,” she warned.
The First Lady condemned the sexual harassment and abuse that many young girls face while hawking, describing it as a direct result of societal negligence and the erosion of moral values. “Some men take advantage of these girls under the pretext of helping them,” she said. “A responsible man should protect the girl-child, not exploit her.”
She also urged religious and community leaders to take a stronger role in guiding their followers. “Our Imams, teachers, market leaders, and traditional rulers must help educate the people and ensure that children are kept safe. Islam teaches us decency, discipline, and care for one another,” she added.
The First Lady further advised parents to discuss important health and moral issues with their daughters, including personal hygiene, menstruation, and the risks of early sexual activity. “Many mothers fail to educate their daughters about these natural changes, leaving them vulnerable to misinformation and abuse,” she noted.
Hajiya Aishatu also spoke against harmful traditional practices such as home delivery by untrained attendants and child marriage, urging families to embrace education, women’s empowerment, and proper healthcare.
“Parents should teach their children the value of education, self-reliance, and respect,” she said. “Girls should not be forced into marriages or hawking; they should be empowered through learning and vocational skills.”
She reminded mothers that being a parent is a sacred trust. “Being called a mother is not just a title—it is a huge responsibility. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said after Allah, the person to be treated with the most kindness is your mother—three times before your father. That shows how important a mother’s role is,” she said.
In closing, the First Lady called for stronger enforcement of existing child protection laws. “Nigeria has good laws, but what is lacking is enforcement. People commit offences and go unpunished, which encourages others to do the same,” she stated.
She prayed for divine guidance and blessings upon the state, its leaders, and families. “May Allah grant us wisdom, peace of mind, and useful knowledge. May He bless our homes and protect our children,” she concluded.
The event, attended by community leaders, women’s groups, and youth representatives, highlighted the need for a coordinated approach involving government, religious institutions, and families to end girl-child street hawking and promote education, safety, and empowerment for all girls in Bauchi State.
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