As Nigeria joins in the celebration of the 2024 Children’s Day, the government should prioritize the rights of children in the country. The day serves as a reminder that Nigeria must create a safe environment for children to grow into resourceful, creative, and patriotic adults. The theme for this year’s Children’s Day is For every child, every right.
Despite being the future of the nation, children in Nigeria face numerous challenges such as child labour, child trafficking, insecurity, displacement, poor nutrition, and lack of access to basic amenities. With 42 percent of the population under 15 years old, it is crucial to address these issues promptly.
The country is currently grappling with economic hardship, leading to high levels of food inflation and widespread insecurity that affect children’s well-being. Malnutrition continues to be a pressing concern, with 31.5 percent of Nigerian children experiencing stunted growth due to a lack of proper nutrition.
Additionally, Nigeria is home to 20.1 million out-of-school children, the second highest rate globally. Despite the existence of the Universal Basic Education Commission fund, 27 out of 36 states have not accessed the funds, hindering efforts to promote education at the primary school level.
Insecurity further compounds the challenges faced by Nigerian children, with reports of teenagers being recruited by insurgents and terrorists. The use of children as human bombs and the displacement of over 1.4 million children due to violence are alarming trends that need urgent attention.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration faces criticism for its failure to address the rising cases of kidnappings and violence, which have had devastating impacts on children. The abduction of school children and women, as well as the prevalence of child labor, child marriage, and child rape, highlight the urgent need to enforce the Child Rights Act across all states.
Parents are urged to plan their families responsibly and ensure proper training for their children. Revitalizing initiatives such as the school feeding program can help encourage school enrollment and reduce dropout rates.
On this Children’s Day, it is imperative that Nigeria takes concrete steps to protect and uphold the rights of every child in the country to secure a better future for the next generation.
