By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Ms Cristian Munduate, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria Representative, has called on governments to show more commitment in making life better for children.

Munduate 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.

Mr Cobhams Asuquo, UNICEF Nigeria Ambassador, who  described UNICEF’s role in the nation as terrific and commendable said it attended to neglected areas which was key to children’s upbringing.

Asuquo, Nigeria’s multi-talented music star, said: “I am so proud to be identified with what UNICEF is doing in Nigeria; a lot of commendable work is going on.”

“A lot of conversations go on  around football, politics and all, but there are many areas that we don’t talk about which affect children, that UNICEF is visiting.

“UNICEF is doing a wonderful job in Nigeria, living up to its role; the issue of health/hygiene, sanitary, open defecation, educating the girl-child, child trafficking, among others.

“Especially with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), in certain parts of the country, and there are so many nooks and crannies part of the country that UNICEF members of staffs are working.

“They are swimming and fighting to make sure that things are done and put in good condition just to ensure that children are protected, especially in a very precarious situation,” he added.

NAN reports that Asuquo, who is visually impaired, thrilled and entertained the children at the event educating them on their rights to education, health, nutrition, to be treated with respect, to be heard, participation and rights to enjoy childhood.

“We owe it to you children to make sure that these rights are protected and as UNICEF Nigeria Ambassador, I will do all I can to continue to represent your interest as children.

“My message to you children and your take home is to continue to form good habits from your childhood, to care, to be part of community development, to be disciplined, obedient and be studious,” he added.

Asuquo said that everyone had an input to make in raising balanced, responsible and well-adjusted children, while their rights must be protected to safeguard the future.

Also,  Mutiu Adepoju, La Liga Ambassador, who was also at the event, advised the children to be focused to attain their choice career paths.

According to him, they also need discipline to attain the success.

Adepoju, a Nigerian former professional footballer who played mostly as an attacking midfielder, also encouraged the children to always follow instructions in order to be on the right track and do things accordingly.

“These are the steps that helped me in my career. Always listen to your parents, teachers and coach as the case may be because they will guide you to achieve your dream goal in life,” he added.

Dr Waheed Ishola, Lagos State Director, National Orientation Agency, Lagos, commended UNICEF for the programme and urged children to be exemplary and law abiding citizens.

NAN reports that UNICEF is an Agency of the United Nations that administers programmes to aid education and child and maternal health in developing countries. (NAN)