UNICEF Urges Leaders to Protect Child Rights and Security

As the globe observes World Children’s Day 2025, UNICEF Nigeria has urged increased dedication to safeguarding and advancing the rights of ...

As the globe observes World Children’s Day 2025, UNICEF Nigeria has urged increased dedication to safeguarding and advancing the rights of the nation's youngest residents. Despite recognizing persistent challenges, the organization highlighted that significant strides have been achieved in enhancing children's lives across the country.

Global Children's Day is observed worldwide to support and highlight the rights of children. It commemorates the day when the United Nations General Assembly approved the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. This day also reminds everyone that each child should have access to medical care, learning, safety, and fair chances.

At a policy discussion with lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex, marking the occasion, Celine Lafoucriere, Head of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office, highlighted UNICEF's ongoing partnership with the state administration to facilitate more children returning to school and accessing appropriate care.

As she mentioned, Children's Day holds significant importance for UNICEF.

"It is the day we emphasize the rights of children, including their right to identity, protection, education, health, and proper nourishment," she stated.

She stated that UNICEF collaborates with the Lagos State Government, the House of Assembly, different departments, and officials to advance and safeguard children's rights.

Lafoucriere voiced worry about the increasing instability impacting children throughout the nation.

Up to 25 children were recently taken from Kebbi State. Regrettably, such events keep happening in various states," she mentioned. "The safety of children is their fundamental right and our top priority. We urge the Nigerian government to guarantee that children are secure not only at school but also in their villages, homes, and local areas.

Emphasizing the theme for this year's event, "My Day, My Rights," Lafoucriere highlighted the significance of using the day to promote children's rights.

She pointed out that Lagos State was the first in Nigeria to implement a budget code specifically for children, created in collaboration with UNICEF, allowing the government to monitor expenditures on children and mothers more precisely.

Lafoucriere also praised Lagos for attaining a 94% birth registration rate among children under five — the highest in the nation — while encouraging initiatives to register the remaining 6%. She mentioned that without registration, these children remain unnoticed and might not be accurately considered in budget planning, urging officials and residents to back the new birth registration campaign initiated by the governor.

In a discussion with the Children’s Parliament, Noheem Babatunde Adam, who spoke on behalf of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa, revealed that the legislative body has approved a law creating a distinct Medical University separate from Lagos State University.

He mentioned that the government is allocating funds for additional classrooms and digital educational resources.

"We are hiring additional teachers, and with more classrooms available, the number of students in each class will decrease," he stated.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

VIEW HIGHEST RATED VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV

• Return to School, Return to Work A New Beginning

• Love Connection: Public vs Private Proposals – Which is More Effective?
• "No" Is a Full Sentence: Why You Should Stop Feeling Ashamed
• Social Gathering: Friendship Discussion 2025 – Tips for Being a Good Friend and Major Issues Concerning Friendship
• Officers Subdue Armed Thieves in Ibadan Following Intense Conflict

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).