Nigerian Youth Call for Immediate Action on Safety, Education, and Child Welfare Issues

Table of Contents

• Children's Appeal for Action
• Children's Panel Session
• Call for Collaboration
• Media Awareness Campaigns
• Importance of Law Implementation
• UNICEF's Support
• Remaining Challenges

Children from Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States have called on the relevant authorities to take urgent measures to address insecurity, the increasing number of out-of-school children, child malnutrition, and limited access to quality public healthcare.

They made this appeal during a children's panel session at a zonal press conference organized by UNICEF in Kano to celebrate the 2025 World Children’s Day.

The children urged UNICEF, government agencies, the media, and the public to enhance collaboration in implementing policies and programs that directly benefit children's wellbeing, emphasizing that such efforts are crucial for ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future.

They also requested the media to amplify awareness campaigns regarding children's rights to education, nutrition, and social justice.

According to them, the full implementation of existing laws and policies, including the Child Protection Law and the Nutrition Policy, would significantly address the challenges threatening children's survival and development.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, stated that UNICEF continues to provide technical and financial assistance to governments to enhance child survival and development indicators.

He mentioned that the commitment of both the government and the public to protect children's rights has grown due to various interventions.

He highlighted improvements in immunization coverage, access to basic education, and primary healthcare, along with reductions in child mortality, malnutrition, and the number of out-of-school children.

Farah added that despite these achievements, significant challenges persist, and UNICEF will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen programs that promote children’s survival and development.