In this compelling episode of The Offside Musings Podcast, we sit down with Mrs. Betty Abah, a renowned advocate for women's and children's rights in Nigeria. With a rich background in activism and a heart dedicated to empowering the marginalized, Mrs. Abba opens up about her journey from a childhood marked by activism to founding the Center for Children's Health Education, Orientation, and Protection. She passionately discusses the pressing issues facing Nigerian children today, from health challenges and period poverty to the detrimental effects of insecurity on education.

We delve into the broader societal implications, including the debate on banning tobacco use, the corrosive influence of social media, and the critical role of media engagement in advocacy. The conversation also tackles the need for transparency in the educational sector, cultural practices hindering child development, and the essential engagement with government officials for tangible change.

As we explore these themes, Mrs. Abba shares her optimism for Nigeria's future, emphasizing the importance of leadership, accountability, and a collective identity among Nigerians. Join us as we navigate the complexities of child welfare in Nigeria and the potential for systemic change through increased awareness, advocacy, and action. ---------------------------------

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Mrs. Betty Abba

01:53 - Mrs. Abba's Background and Activism

06:36 - Mrs. Abba's Journey into Activism

08:06 - The Mission of the Center for Children's Health, Education, Orientation, and Protection

10:28 - Challenges Faced by Nigerian Children in Health

38:56 - Corruption as a Barrier to Educational Development

39:55 - The Impact of Period Poverty on Girl Education

41:22 - The Need for Government Intervention in Period Poverty

42:17 - Empowering Nigerian Youth for Leadership

45:06 - The Role of Corruption in Education

46:53 - Preparing Nigerian Youth for Leadership

49:39 - The Importance of Quality Education

51:34 - The Impact of Corruption on Educational Institutions

53:31 - The Role of Young People in Rescuing the Educational Sector

54:29 - Challenges in Investing in Education

55:26 - Enrollment of Trafficked Children into School

56:48 - The Impact of Poverty on Education

58:14 - Child Marriage as a Barrier to Education

59:38 - Government Officials' Access to Foreign Healthcare

01:04:47 - Improving Educational Facilities in Nigeria

01:07:31 - Cultural Practices that Hamper Nigerian Children

01:10:24 - The Impact of Poverty and Cultural Practices on Education

01:13:16 - Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation

01:15:01 - Insecurity and its Impact on Education

01:16:59 - Addressing Period Poverty

01:19:22 - Unique Problems of Social Media Exposure for Children in Nigeria

01:26:09 - Engaging Government Officials and Policymakers

01:28:26 - The Impact of the NSAS Movement

01:29:55 - Finding the Energy to Keep Going

01:36:06 - Hope and Anxiety for Nigeria's Future

01:41:53 - Prognosis for Nigerian Children in 20 Years

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