Newborn Babies Abandoned in Cartons, Joy Agu Raises Alarm

Joy Agu, a resident of Lagos State, has raised concerns over the growing issue of newborn babies being abandoned in cartons and other dangerous places.

Speaking to Next Africa Daily on November 1, 2026, Agu shared her experience of seeing a newborn baby abandoned inside a carton on a street.

She said the incident was painful and called on parents to take better care of their children, especially young girls.

According to her, some girls become pregnant at the ages of 13, 14 and 15 without fully understanding the responsibilities that come with having a child.

Agu said parents should teach their children about relationships, personal safety and the consequences of sexual activities. She also called on teachers to take sex education seriously in schools.

Subjects such as Basic Science and Biology should help children understand their bodies, pregnancy and reproductive health. She added that churches and other religious institutions also have a role to play in guiding young people.

Agu noted that although the world has changed and young people now have more freedom and opportunities, they still need proper guidance from adults.

She questioned why people would abandon newborn babies when some families are desperately looking for children.

She urged parents, teachers and religious leaders to work together to educate young people and prevent situations that could lead to teenage pregnancy and newborn baby abandonment.

She also stressed that anyone who cannot care for a newborn should seek help from trusted people and appropriate authorities rather than abandon an innocent child.