The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has tasked governments and stakeholders to pririotise children’s rights, to guarantee their protection, wellbeing and development.
Dr Gerida Birukila, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Borno, said this at an event to mark the 2024 World Children’s Day, on Wednesday in Maiduguri.
Birukila stressed the need for stakeholders in Borno to adopt proactive steps towards ensuring safety, education and wellbeing of children, especially in the aftermath of devastating floods in the state.
She commended the Borno legislature for the passage of the Borno State Child Protection Law, describing it as a positive milestone in promoting children’s rights.
The UNICEF official said this year’s commemoration themed: “Listen to the Future: Stand Up for Children’s Rights,” resonates deeply with the progress made and the challenges that remain.
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“As the house continues to stand up for children’s rights, you have an ally at UNICEF. We are always ready to work with the Borno state government and all stakeholders to improve the wellbeing of children,” she said.
On Borno flood disaster, Birukila said the UN agency had introduced radio learning classes targeting over 10,000 displaced children in Gubio and Dikwa IDP camps.
“Flooding has also cut off road to children in hard-to-reach areas like Rann, limiting their access to essential services.
“There is an urgent need to provide secondary education services for children who want to continue beyond primary education”.
She urged the children participating in the One-day Speaker and Assembly Members, to think creatively about solutions to the challenges affecting vulnerable children.
“You are the leaders of today, not tomorrow. Take note of the challenges around you and document your ideas to solve them. If you can dream it, you can achieve it,” she said.
While assuring UNICEF support to every child, Birukila called for more collaboration between governments, humanitarian partners and other stakeholders towards building a brighter future for children.
“Progress has been made but there is still room for improvement”.
