WHAT OFFENCE DID THESE BABIES COMMIT FOR BEING BORN IN NIGERIA?

WHAT OFFENCE DID THESE BABIES COMMIT FOR BEING BORN IN NIGERIA?

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” (Psalm 82:3).

Recently, many Nigerians laughed at an AI-generated video of a newborn baby “escaping” Nigeria. It was funny, but beneath that humor lies a painful truth.

The real tragedy is not fictional. It is the image of newborn babies lying helplessly on hard plastic chairs in a neonatal ward, in a country blessed with enormous wealth.

What offence did these innocent souls commit?

Their only “crime” was being born into an oil-rich nation that, according to historical records, became Africa’s largest crude oil producer and earned over $1 trillion in oil revenue since independence in 1960. Yet, the World Bank has consistently reported that millions of Nigerians still lack access to quality healthcare.

“Woe to those who make unjust laws… to deprive the poor of their rights” (Isaiah 10:1-2).

Their offence was being born into a nation where public funds prioritize luxury over life, where billions are spent on presidential aircraft, yachts, official vehicles, and residences, while neonatal units lack safe beds for fragile newborns.

Their offence was being born into a country where leaders swore oaths to serve, yet hospitals decay.

Their offence was being born into a land where silence often replaces accountability.

Their offence was being born into a system where the innocent suffer for the failures of the powerful.

History reminds us that nations rise or fall based on how they treat their most vulnerable. These babies cannot speak, protest, or vote. Yet Heaven hears their silent cry.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8).

Nigeria’s future is not in oil, aircraft, or buildings. It is in these fragile lives. If their first contact with their homeland is neglect, what hope are we building?

The question remains: What offence did they commit, other than trusting us with their future? 💔🇳🇬