{"id":11796,"date":"2026-07-20T08:41:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T08:41:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=11796"},"modified":"2026-07-20T08:41:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T08:41:21","slug":"unicef-chief-urges-greater-investment-in-nigerias-children-during-official-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=11796","title":{"rendered":"UNICEF Chief Urges Greater Investment in Nigeria\u2019s Children During Official Visit."},"content":{"rendered":"
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UNICEF Chief Urges Greater Investment in Nigeria\u2019s Children During Official Visit.<\/h1>\n

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Abuja\/New York:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell has called for sustained investment in Nigeria’s children, describing the country’s young population as its greatest opportunity for future economic growth, innovation and resilience.<\/p>\n

Concluding an official mission to Nigeria on Friday, Russell highlighted the need to protect recent gains in child welfare despite mounting global and regional economic pressures. She stressed that with nearly 105 million children and adolescents\u2014about half of Nigeria’s population\u2014the country possesses one of the world’s largest youth populations capable of driving long-term development if adequately supported.<\/p>\n

During her visit, Russell toured UNICEF-supported programmes and met government officials, healthcare workers, children and families across different parts of the country. In Sokoto State, she visited a UNICEF-supported primary healthcare centre where children suffering from severe acute malnutrition were receiving life-saving treatment. She also interacted with students benefiting from digital learning initiatives aimed at expanding access to education.<\/p>\n

“Everywhere I went in Nigeria, I saw the strength, ambition and potential of children and young people despite continued challenges,” Russell said. “I am encouraged by the government’s efforts to provide critical services for children, including healthcare and education, but much more remains to be done.”<\/p>\n

Russell acknowledged the progress Nigeria has made in key areas such as birth registration, school enrolment and social protection programmes. However, she cautioned that these achievements remain vulnerable due to economic uncertainty, shrinking international funding and the wider impact of ongoing global crises, including instability in the Middle East.<\/p>\n

She noted that many Nigerian children continue to face multiple hardships, including poverty, displacement caused by insecurity, climate-related disasters and limited access to essential services such as healthcare, nutrition, education, clean water and child protection.<\/p>\n

Emphasising the importance of early childhood development, Russell said the first years of a child’s life are crucial for physical, cognitive and emotional growth. She stressed that adequate nutrition, quality healthcare, early learning opportunities and a safe environment lay the foundation for healthier communities and stronger national economies.<\/p>\n

The UNICEF chief welcomed the commitment shown by both federal and state governments towards improving children’s welfare and reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to deepen collaboration with public institutions, development partners and the private sector.<\/p>\n

She said expanding investments in children’s health, education and protection would not only improve individual lives but also strengthen Nigeria’s future workforce and economic competitiveness.<\/p>\n

“Nigeria’s future will be shaped by the choices made for children today,” Russell said. “With the right investments and partnerships, the country can become a global example of inclusive growth that benefits every child.”<\/p>\n

UNICEF reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria in strengthening child-focused policies and programmes, ensuring that the country’s growing young population has the opportunity to reach its full potential despite the challenges ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

UNICEF Chief Urges Greater Investment in Nigeria\u2019s Children During Official Visit.   Abuja\/New York:   UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell has called for sustained investment […]<\/p>\n

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