THE NEXUS BETWEEN POVERTY AND TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN ILORIN TOWNSHIP

Abstract

Poverty is a hydra-headed monster which affects and destroys anything it touches. In sub-Saharan Africa and indeed Nigeria, the prevalence of poverty is very high with over 110 million Nigerians still living below the poverty line. In Kwara state, the situation is not different as the poverty rate in the state according to the report published by the United Nations Global Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index as of 2023 is 38.9%. This percentage cuts across every part of the country including Ilorin which is the capital of Kwara State has taken its toll on teen girls. Many teen girls between the ages of 13 to 19 years in Ilorin Township have become victims of teenage pregnancy and dropped out of school. An in-depth study reveals that the major cause of this act is poverty as many of the girls were easily lured into sex because of their poor economic condition which makes any little gift item or money attractive. The implication of early sexual activity and pregnancy on the girls and their families goes beyond physical look as many of them are psychologically traumatized, demoralized and can barely pick up the pieces of their lives, thus finding themselves continuing the line of poverty from their parents and wards to the child they deliver. This paper is therefore aimed at discussing and analyzing the connection between poverty and teenage pregnancy in Ilorin Township.

Keywords

• Teenager
• Poverty
• Pregnancy
• Ilorin Township