Nigerian children demand urgent action on insecurity, education and child welfare
Children from Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States have urged relevant authorities to take immediate steps to tackle insecurity, the rising population of out-of-school children, child malnutrition, and limited access to quality public healthcare.
They made the appeal during a children’s panel session at a zonal press conference organised by UNICEF in Kano to commemorate the 2025 World Children’s Day.
The children called on UNICEF, government agencies, the media, and the public to strengthen collaboration in implementing policies and programmes that directly improve the wellbeing of children, stressing that such efforts are essential for securing a sustainable and prosperous future.
They also urged the media to intensify awareness campaigns on children’s rights to education, nutrition, and social justice.
According to them, full implementation of existing laws and policies, including the Child Protection Law and the Nutrition Policy would significantly address challenges threatening children’s survival and development.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, Mr Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, said UNICEF continues to provide technical and financial support to governments to improve child survival and development indicators.
He noted that government and public commitment to child rights protection has increased due to various interventions.
He highlighted improvements in immunisation coverage, access to basic education, and primary healthcare, alongside reductions in child mortality, malnutrition, and the number of out-of-school children.
Farah added that despite these gains, major challenges remain, and UNICEF will continue to work with stakeholders to strengthen programmes that enhance children’s survival and development.
Nigerian children demand urgent action on insecurity, education and child welfare
