Allow Children To Participate, FG, UNICEF Urge Broadcasters

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture have urged broadcasters to involve children in the 2023 edition of the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB).

The Duo made the call in a joint statement on Wednesday in Abuja before the ICDB celebration on Sunday.

The statement signed by Geoffrey Njoku of UNICEF and Mercy Megwa of the Ministry of Information and Culture stated that the 2023 celebration is themed ”More Money for Primary Education”.

It further urged the children to make documentaries that bring to light the challenges encountered by children in Nigeria. 

“In Nigeria, primary education is officially free and compulsory but 18 million of the country’s children aged between five and 14 years are not in school.

“Only 61 per cent of six to 11-year-olds regularly attend primary school.

“Adequate funding of primary education will create an enabling environment for increased demand for qualitative education which is the bedrock of enhanced knowledge, improved behaviour and personal growth of the children,” the statement said.

UNICEF, in 1991, initiated the launch of ICDB with the objective of promoting global awareness of children's issues by encouraging broadcasters worldwide to participate.

Broadcasters celebrate ICDB on the first Sunday of March each year by inviting children to participate in the programming process.

This provides the children with the opportunity to express their thoughts and aspirations, and share ideas on matters affecting them with their peers.