Nigeria, May 27 -- As Nigeria look forward to the marking of Children's Day in 2025, the realities faced by millions of its young citizens stand in stark contrast to the idealistic celebrations surrounding the occasion. Eddie Iroh's timeless novel, Without a Silver Spoon, first published in 1981, continues to serve as a powerful reflection of the struggles that Nigerian children endure. The story of Ure, a bright but disadvantaged boy navigating systemic obstacles, still mirrors the experience of many children across the country.

Today, Nigerian children look forward to celebrating Children's Day, but for a significant number of them, the day arrives without a silver spoon, without the privileges that should define a safe, nurturing, and...