UNICEF Urges Lagos Lawmakers to Use Their Influence to Transform Children’s Lives.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to take decisive action to improve the lives of children in the state by passing laws that protect their rights and ensure their well-being and education, amid a global decline in support for child rights.

Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office, delivered the message on Thursday during the World Children’s Day Policy Dialogue with Legislators & Children’s Arts Exhibition.

This year’s World Children’s Day, observed annually on November 20 under the theme “My Day, My Right,” serves as a global call to action for children and marks the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The event encourages schools, communities, and institutions to engage with and support children.

Lafoucriere, who accompanied children from various schools across the state to the Assembly complex in Alausa to present their demands, reminded lawmakers of their critical role.

“These children are here because they believe you can help. You have the power to change their lives today. This is where laws are made, budgets are approved, and priorities are set. Every child you invest in becomes healthier, smarter, and more productive. Every child you protect is one less person trapped in poverty or crime. Every child you empower is a future leader who builds a better Lagos,” she said.

She urged lawmakers to prioritise all children’s rights, including identity, protection, education, health, nutrition, and access to water, noting that guaranteeing these rights through adequate budget allocations is a constitutional duty, not a favour.

Lafoucriere expressed concern over the global situation for children, highlighting that cuts in funding could result in 4.5 million additional child deaths by 2030 and six million more children being out of school by 2026. She stressed that while over 200 million children need urgent help worldwide, resources are shrinking—but Lagos can chart a different path.

“When you commit to children, you deliver. Lagos has already shown progress, particularly in birth registrations, which are among the best in Nigeria. We hope to hear specific commitments from Honorable Members on improving schools, expanding digital learning, building health centers, strengthening health insurance schemes, and creating space for children’s voices in decision-making,” she said, reaffirming UNICEF’s readiness to support the state in fulfilling the rights of every child.

Responding, Abiodun Orekoya, Chairman of the House Committee on Youths and Social Development, commended UNICEF for its unwavering dedication to children. He encouraged the young participants to aspire to leadership roles, stay away from drugs, and realise their full potential, emphasizing that UNICEF’s continuous support contributes to a brighter future for all children.

World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s global day of action for children, by children, celebrating the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and giving children a platform to speak about their lives, hopes, and rights.