Inside Lagos communities where poverty steals children’s futures

In the densely populated communities of Ijora-Badia and Ago-Egun in Lagos, children's futures are being eroded by pervasive poverty, constant displacement, and deplorable living conditions. Many lack access to fundamental necessities such as adequate shelter, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and proper nutrition.

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When our house got demolished at Gangare in December 2025, my children and I started living in different shops. During that period, it was raining heavily and my second child became very sick.

Five-year-old Darasimi's life exemplifies the harsh reality faced by these children. After his family lost their home to a demolition in December 2025, they were forced to move between shops, seeking temporary shelter. This instability exposed Darasimi and his siblings to harsh weather and unsanitary conditions, leading to recurring illnesses. His mother, Esther, a petty trader, described nights spent in constant fear of being discovered and driven away, resulting in sleep deprivation for the children.

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Sometimes we would wake up in the middle of the night because we did not want people to know we slept there. By morning, we were still tired because we had not slept well.

Esther shared that health workers linked Darasimi's persistent cough to prolonged exposure to cold and damp environments. The displacement not only affected his health but also severely disrupted his education. Heavy rains and the lack of a stable home kept him out of school for weeks, hindering his development. The article underscores the profound impact of these conditions on children's well-being, highlighting their struggle for basic survival and the theft of their childhood.

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The rain stopped my son from going to school for more than two weeks. Even after the demolition, he still could not attend because we had nowhere stable to stay.