It is the second month of the year and the “never ending January” is out of the way. It is now a reality that we are in 2025. With the days running, enthusiasm dies down for some who have made goals for the year and just want to leave the only life they have. For some, they are hell bent on keeping up with these goals but the time is running too fast. Some didn't make goals, just taking life “jeje” as it comes.

No matter the category you fall under, goals make life interesting as there's always something to look forward to.

For children living on the Streets, some have goals or aspirations. Though they might not have a timeline but it's something they look forward to. It could be their future desire to be a musician, engineer, doctor or a “tout chairmo”.

As all other goals, these children have their inspirations influenced by what they see, hear or where they live. As individuals and society at large, we contribute to the fulfillment of these goals whether we like it or not. Our actions or inactions determine if Moses goes on to be a Doctor or “Dagger” who extorts from everyday people like you and I.

It is the month of love and while we share love to family and friends who have been with us through thick and thin, we need to remember the Children on the Streets who have nothing of that sort to fall back to. We can help them achieve their goals by reaching out to them individually, building a relationship with them and being their safe space.

We should not forget that everyone, everywhere has the right to be safe, protected and able to achieve their goals, without being looked down on because of their environment. Love makes the world safe. 

Children are in vulnerable states and they need love to become the best version of themselves. As you fulfill your goals, or allow life to just roll by for you, take action today to touch at least one child's life positively, at least once a month, remembering that “the adults we need tomorrow are the children we take care of today”.

• Faith Ofem, Advocacy Unit