Listen to Girls, Don’t Just Speak About Them – UNICEF Tells Nigeria
UNICEF has urged Nigeria to use the 2026 National Children’s Day as a moment of accountability, calling for concrete action that places adolescent girls’ voices at the centre of policy and programmes.
Speaking at the press briefing organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and other stakeholders, UNICEF’s Acting Chief of Child Protection, Mona Aika, stated that Children’s Day must translate into measurable progress for children, not just ceremonial events.
Mona Aika at the Briefing
“Today is about a national commitment to listen to children, protect them, and create opportunities for every child to thrive. For adolescent girls in particular, this commitment is urgent,” she said.
Aika commended the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for placing adolescent girls, families, and children at the centre of the national conversation, noting that it aligns with the Ministry’s mandate and Nigeria’s broader development priorities.
She stressed the need to shift from speaking about girls to acting on their input:
*“We must move from speaking about girls to listening to girls, and from listening to action. Their voices should shape policies, programmes, budgets, and community decisions that affect their lives.”*
UNICEF outlined that Children’s Day should prompt reflection on whether every child is protected, registered, in school, healthy, safe online and offline, and able to reach their full potential. The organisation pledged continued support to the government to strengthen child protection systems, prevent violence and harmful practices, promote adolescent girls’ empowerment, and advance birth registration and legal identity.
Aika also called on the media to be strong allies for children through child-sensitive reporting that protects dignity and privacy while amplifying children’s voices and holding stakeholders accountable.
“UNICEF stands ready to continue supporting the Ministry and all partners to ensure this year’s Children’s Day activities are not only memorable, but meaningful and lead to stronger action for every child, especially every adolescent girl,” she said.
In a keynote address, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a Universal Child Benefit as a safety net for the most vulnerable Nigerian children.
She also unveiled the 2026 Children’s Day theme, _“Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,”_ and called on parents, schools, traditional institutions, civil society, and the media to act as co-guardians of the Nigerian child.
The Deputy Speaker of the National Children’s Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Sunoma called for direct involvement of children in decisions affecting their wellbeing..
Anything for us, without us, is not really for us” He said
The briefing marked the official kick-off of activities for the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration under the theme _“Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,”_ as declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
