UNICEF, Media Leaders Call for Immediate Measures to Safeguard Children Amid Rising Insecurity

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and child rights advocates have called for urgent, coordinated action to address the obstacles preventing Nigerian children from fully enjoying their rights, including access to education, healthcare, clean water, and protection.

With insecurity in the North forcing widespread school closures, the stakeholders emphasised the need for stronger measures to safeguard children from attacks.

Speaking at a World Children’s Day symposium held on Tuesday at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, the representatives of UNICEF and media leaders urged full implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration and stressed prioritising children’s mental and physical well-being. They called on the Federal Government to treat the worsening insecurity as an urgent national emergency and to protect children from violence while encouraging journalists to amplify children’s voices through accurate reporting.

The event, themed “Equipping the Nigerian Child for the Future: How Prepared Are We?”, addressed growing concerns over children’s safety, education, nutrition, and health.

Mr. Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, described Nigeria as being in a “state of emergency” over the deteriorating conditions affecting children. He noted that recent attacks and abductions show children have become primary victims of violence, warning that the bloodshed must stop.

“Nigeria has over 220 million people, half of whom are children. What happens to our children affects the entire nation,” he said, expressing concern over the country now having the world’s highest number of out-of-school children. He urged media professionals to prioritise evidence-based reporting on child rights and protection issues, emphasising the importance of amplifying the voices of the voiceless and practising solution-oriented journalism.

Anaba called for stronger collaboration among media, civil society, UNICEF, and government agencies, pledging his personal commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of Nigerian children.

UNICEF Nigeria Representative Ms. Wafa Saeed highlighted that millions of children remain unvaccinated and face acute malnutrition, revealing that three out of four 10-year-olds are unable to read and understand a simple text. She stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration and invest in routine immunisation, quality education, nutrition, and child protection to build a stronger future for all Nigerian children.

Mr. Michel Deelen, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos, said many Nigerian schools lack roofs, water, sanitation facilities, and teachers, describing the situation as unacceptable. He reaffirmed the Netherlands’ support for UNICEF and stressed that functioning schools are critical for national progress.

Mr. Lanre Idowu, Chairman of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), urged the media to provide deeper, human-centred reporting that goes beyond episodic coverage, stressing that protecting children today guarantees Nigeria’s future.

During the panel session moderated by Dr. Chinonso Egemba (Abroko Doctor), UNICEF Deputy Country Representative Ms. Ronak Nkan explained that resource allocation is guided by evidence, pointing out stark regional disparities. While almost 90 percent of Lagos households have access to safe water, only 3 percent do in Kebbi State. She emphasised that all children, regardless of birthplace, deserve equal opportunities and that investments focus on those most deprived.

Mrs. Mariam Fitumi Shaibu, Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs, highlighted government initiatives for out-of-school children, including the National Commission for Out-of-School Children, the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), and the Lumina Project. She also announced a National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene, currently under review, aimed at reducing absenteeism among girls.

Mr. Henshaw Ogubuike, Director of Public Communication at the National Orientation Agency, said the Ministry of Information has intensified nationwide campaigns to promote child rights and safety, leveraging state offices and federal centres to counter misinformation and raise awareness.