By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
The welfare and future of the Nigerian child must remain a shared responsibility of government, parents, and key stakeholders, experts declared at a one-day media symposium in Ikeja, Lagos, held to mark World Children’s Day.
The event, themed “Equipping the Nigerian Child for the Future: How Prepared Are We?”, brought together policymakers, development partners, and media professionals to assess gaps in child welfare and chart a path toward improved outcomes.
Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Mrs. Mariam Fitumi Shaibu, highlighted several government initiatives aimed at addressing the high number of out-of-school children. These include the National Commission for Out-of-School Children, the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), and the Lumina Project, which connects women’s economic empowerment to increased school enrolment for girls.
Shaibu further revealed that a National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene is currently before the Federal Executive Council, designed to reduce school absenteeism caused by inadequate water, sanitation, and private changing facilities for girls.
UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, Ms. Ronak Nkan, noted that UNICEF’s funding and interventions are guided strictly by data, stressing Nigeria’s persistent regional inequalities that continue to affect children’s access to quality education and social services.
Senior Editor with the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mrs. Ijeoma Popoola, emphasised the role of parents and caregivers, warning that despite existing laws, harmful practices and neglect persist within homes, and the media must continue to spotlight these issues.
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