Title: UNICEF Urges Nigerian Government to Prioritize Children in National Development Date Published: 28 June 2025 Description: UNICEF Urges Nigerian Government to Prioritize Children in National DevelopmentThe United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Nigerian government at all levels to place children’s well-being at the core of national development strategies.This appeal was made during a valedictory reception held in honour of the outgoing UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate. The event, which took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, was organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors in partnership with the Diamond Awards.Speaking at the event themed “The Nigerian Child, UNICEF 2024 Annual Report, and the Nigerian Media,” Munduate highlighted Nigeria’s unique position as one of Africa’s largest and youngest nations. She emphasized the importance of leveraging this demographic strength to implement transformative policies that benefit children.“In 2024, the government made significant progress in advancing children’s rights,” Munduate said. “UNICEF, working closely with development partners, the private sector, and civil society, supported initiatives that led to meaningful achievements.” Among the key accomplishments she cited were:Birth registration: Over 10.1 million children under the age of five received official birth certificates.Vaccination support: UNICEF helped the government procure life-saving vaccines for over 59 million children and adolescents.Malnutrition treatment: Nearly one million severely malnourished children received vital treatment across northern states. Munduate credited these milestones to a strong partnership between government agencies and UNICEF, praising stakeholders for their dedication to improving the lives of children.“These achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of the government at both federal and state levels,” she added. However, she noted that significant challenges remain. Millions of Nigerian children are still out of school, while poverty and malnutrition persist.“Addressing these issues demands continued investment in essential services and infrastructure,” Munduate stated. “Every child, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to survive and thrive.” The event was attended by notable figures, including media executives and development advocates, all of whom echoed the call for stronger child-focused policies in Nigeria’s development agenda. Attached Images: ac0ed623fa4fe5d3b1f388a8938a57a7f73c1d40cfff8ad8934011cb5f75b254.jpg Attached Video: None