By Asmau Ahmad
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has called on governments to show more commitment in making life better for children.
Ms Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Representative made the call at an event to mark the 2022 World Children’s Day on Saturday in Lagos.
The event, held at the Astroturf, Osborne, Ikoyi, was organised by UNICEF Nigeria in partnership with La Liga Africa, Asisat Oshoala Foundation, and Troy Media.
Munduate urged government at various levels to do more in the area of education.
“The Federal, state, local governments should assume adequate commitment that will collaborate their efforts in bringing children back to school.
“Governments can go the extra mile by taking the school down to the children where they do not have access to schools. This is to avoid dropouts.
“UNICEF promotes the rights and well-being of every child everywhere with our partners. We work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action.
“We are focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children to the benefit of all children everywhere, which is what this year’s theme is all about,” Munduate said.
The UNICEF Nigeria Representative noted that there was need for more awareness on the rights of children and education, while families, parents and guardians must be sensitised to facilitate their access and attendance to school.
Munduate added that an enabling environment should be created for children to participate in activities freely even in their own capacity, making them inclusive in all things in line with the 2022 World Children’s Day theme.
“This year’s World Children’s Day coincides with the start of the Football World Cup, an excellent opportunity to link football and childhood, consistent with UNICEF’s core brand.
“In a world where division is entrenched in everyday lives, football has the power to unite like nothing else, when it comes to children’s rights, there can be only one team, no matter which nation we support.
“We are calling to let everyone know that all children have same opportunity in life, and if by chance a child has physical, emotional or psychological differences, he/she should still be carried along,
“Children are very talented and creative, and that is the reason we are creating this inclusive platform for them to participate and showcase their potential without discrimination,” she added.
