The United Nations Children’s Fund Nigeria Representative, Ms. Christian Munduate, has urged media professionals to exercise greater diligence when covering children’s issues.
Speaking at a symposium organized by UNICEF in collaboration with the Nigerian Guild of Editors on Saturday in Lagos, Munduate stressed the importance of media in promoting child rights.
The event, held to commemorate World Children’s Day 2024, was themed “Reinforcing the Role of Media in Mainstream Child Rights.”
It brought together various stakeholders, including prominent journalists, broadcasters, senior officials from the Ministry of Education, private sector representatives, influencers, and advocates.
During the symposium, the participants engaged in three-panel discussions, addressing critical challenges facing children in Nigeria and emphasizing the media’s pivotal role in advocating for child rights.
Munduate emphasized that journalists must prioritize stories related to children, providing in-depth investigative reports that go beyond surface-level coverage.
She stated that the media has the power to deeply communicate with society, raising awareness about children’s issues.
“You need to make it a long-term vision so that you can contribute towards ensuring that government, religious bodies, traditional leaders, community, and families are equipped with the right information,” Munduate said.
She added that such efforts would foster accountability and create a culture of responsibility across society.
Highlighting the impact of the media’s words, Munduate noted, “Your words are powerful,” and that the media’s influence can drive change by shifting the perspectives of policymakers and the general public. “Together, you can reach millions with your message, impacting not just hundreds or thousands, but entire communities,” she emphasized.
Munduate also shared concerning statistics regarding children in Nigeria, revealing that half of the nation’s children live in poverty.
Additionally, 41 out of every 1,000 newborns die due to complications and teenage pregnancies, and 40 percent of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition.
She also pointed out that 2.1 million children remain unvaccinated and that one in five households, especially among the poorest, practice open defecation.
While UNICEF provides essential data on children’s welfare, she stressed the importance of using communication to engage communities and translate complex data into language that resonates with a wider audience.
Earlier, the President of NGE, Mr. Eze Anaba, called for a collective effort from media practitioners, policymakers, and health professionals to prioritize child rights.
He advocated for child-friendly policies, community-driven solutions, and the support of young changemakers.
“As journalists, editors, and media practitioners, we wield a unique power; the power of storytelling and our role in the mainstream is very important,” Anaba said. “We must uncover and amplify the voices of the voiceless by highlighting the challenges children are facing and advocating solutions. These narratives can inspire, mobilise, and drive change.”
The founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Mr. Tunde Onakoya, also spoke on the topic, calling Nigeria’s future workforce at risk due to the contradictions faced by Nigerian children.
Onakoya stressed that the country’s future is uncertain if 20 million children remain out of school without skills or education.
“If we are faced with 20 million out-of-school children with no skill or education, how will they participate in the future economy? Without education, they will become liabilities rather than assets,” he warned.
Lastly, National Programme Coordinator and Technical Lead of Rotary International’s PolioPlus Programme, Mr. Olugbenga Olayiwola, underscored the critical importance of polio vaccination.
He reassured the public that the polio vaccine is safe and that multiple doses are given to ensure stronger immunity.
“There is no case of overdose on the polio vaccine, but we can make their immunity stronger by repeating multiple routes,” he explained. Olayiwola emphasized the goal of ensuring that no child is left unvaccinated.
