UNICEF Urges Media to Prioritize Child Right Reporting
By Ojimadu, Chinechetam Melody
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged Nigerian media practitioners to prioritize the reportage of issues relating to childs’ right and welfare.
Speaking at a Symposium organized by the international body on Saturday, November 30th, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, painted a grim picture of the state of children in the country.
She revealed that 41 out of every 1,000 Nigerian babies die due to malnutrition, and 40% of children under five are stunted, affecting their intellectual development. Furthermore, she pointed out that 14 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, and 67% of children live in multidimensional poverty. She urged the media to highlight these issues and push for actionable solutions, stressing that children’s rights should be placed at the forefront of societal agendas.
The program which was to commemorate the world children day was themed, “Reinforcing the Role of the Media in Mainstreaming Child Rights” and took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, with notable stakeholders present.
Mr. Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, in his opening remarks, emphasized the power of journalism to mobilize change, especially in matters concerning children’s welfare. He highlighted pressing issues like child labor, malnutrition, and the recruitment of children as combatants in the northeast.
He called on the media to adopt solution-based journalism and collaborate with organizations like UNICEF to tackle these challenges. “Let us be the conscience of our country and the voice of our children,” he urged.
The symposium also featured thought-provoking contributions from prominent figures such as Uju Rochas Anwukah, Nkiruka Maduekwe, and Rufai Oseni, who echoed the need for deliberate actions to protect children.
Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, gave a remarkable speech, stating that, “We have the power to change our narratives; change doesn’t come in silence.”
The event concluded with a call for the media to remain vigilant and consistent in its efforts to advocate for children’s rights across Nigeria.
