Picnews
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Federal Government for its role in the rescue of 39 pupils and five teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while urging continued investment in child protection and birth registration programmes.
The UNICEF delegation, led by its Executive Director, Catherine Russell, made the commendation during a visit to the State House, Abuja, where they met with the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Russell praised the administration of President Bola Tinubu for the successful rescue operation, describing investment in children and women as critical to securing the future of the nation.
She said UNICEF remained committed to supporting efforts aimed at protecting children affected by conflict and insecurity, warning that violence, displacement, and abductions continue to pose serious threats to children globally.
“Investing in women and children is an investment into the future of the nation,” Russell said, adding that UNICEF was pleased to support initiatives that safeguard children in vulnerable situations.
The UNICEF delegation also applauded the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the First Lady for its contribution to the nationwide birth registration campaign, which has helped increase the number of registered children to 14 million within two years, according to the organisation.
Russell described birth registration as a vital step in ensuring children have access to their rights and opportunities for a better future.
“I like to commend the leadership and RHI for birth registration. Birth registration is one of the most important because children are part of our priority to guarantee a great future,” she said.
Responding, Mrs Tinubu expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s continued partnership and welcomed the successful return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
She emphasised the importance of investing in children, noting that their development remains central to the progress and prosperity of any nation.
The First Lady, who highlighted her background in education, warned that neglecting children’s welfare could negatively affect national development, stressing the need for greater attention to education and skills development.
She also raised concerns over the increasing number of out-of-school children, particularly among Almajiri communities, noting that efforts were being made to support their transition into formal education and skills acquisition programmes.
The UNICEF delegation also recognised Mrs Tinubu’s advocacy efforts against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other child protection initiatives.
Other members of the delegation included UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, alongside senior advisers and specialists from the organisation’s Nigeria office.
