The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Federal Government for the successful rescue of 39 pupils and five teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The commendation came on Thursday when a UNICEF delegation, led by its Executive Director, Catherine Russell, paid a courtesy visit to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House, Abuja.
Russell praised the government’s efforts in securing the release of the victims, stressing the importance of protecting children affected by conflict and insecurity.
“Conflict is one of the most difficult situations for children. Whether it is displacement, violence or abductions, children need to be protected in these situations,” she said.
She also commended the First Lady for prioritising the welfare of women and children through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), describing such investments as critical to the country’s future.
“Investing in women and children is an investment into the future of the nation,” Russell added.
UNICEF further applauded the birth registration campaign championed by the First Lady, noting that about 14 million children had been registered across Nigeria within the last two years.
The organisation attributed the achievement, in part, to Senator Tinubu’s advocacy through the Renewed Hope Initiative. Russell also acknowledged the First Lady’s efforts in campaigns against female genital mutilation (FGM) and other child welfare programmes.
Responding, Senator Tinubu expressed delight over the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers and thanked UNICEF for its continued support to Nigeria during challenging times.
“Children are very important in any country for the development of that country. When they are not properly invested in, no matter how wealthy that country is, it will not be able to make substantial growth,” she said.
The First Lady, a former teacher, reiterated the need for greater investment in children’s education and welfare, while highlighting the challenges posed by Nigeria’s growing population.
She also identified the rising number of out-of-school children, particularly Almajiri children, as a major concern, noting that the government is working to expand access to formal education alongside vocational and skills acquisition programmes.
Other members of the UNICEF delegation included Country Representative Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, Chief of Staff Ted Mary, Senior Adviser on Communications Marlene Jensen, Head of Project Marline Serrano, and Executive Specialist Nabila Jamshed.
