PSALM 127:3-5 AND THE CRISIS OF CHILD POVERTY IN THE NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

Abstract

This article examines child poverty in the Niger Delta region in the light of Psalm 127:3-5.  Psalm 127:3-5 concerns care, support and protection for children by parents, community, and the society at large. This pericope fits as a road map towards addressing child poverty in the region. Literature on child poverty in the Niger Delta has been approached from the sociological, psychological, economic and political perspectives. This study tends to dive into the area of using the Old Testament as a lens towards observing child poverty in Nigeria. It was discovered that corruption, poverty and lack of political will by stakeholders were the sustainable factors to child poverty in the Niger Delta. From Psalm 127:3-5, these sustainable factors do not portray care, support and protection for children. For the region to attain the much-needed development, the dignity of the Niger Delta children must be restored educationally, socially, and health-wise.