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:
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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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#73 - Ms. Betty Abah | Nigerian Civil Liberties Series - Episode Twelve