By Cross Udo, Abuja
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Federal Government for the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while warning that children continue to bear the heaviest burden of insecurity and conflict.
The commendation came during a visit by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The visit followed the rescue of dozens of pupils and teachers who spent more than 50 days in captivity after their abduction shocked the country.
Russell described the rescue as an important victory but cautioned that conflicts, abductions and displacement continue to threaten children’s futures globally.
“Children need to be protected in these situations.”
She noted that children in conflict environments suffer consequences that often outlive the crises themselves.
“Conflict is one of the most difficult situations for children, whether it is displacement, violence or abductions.”
UNICEF also praised the First Lady’s role in expanding birth registration across Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
According to the organisation, more than 14 million children have been registered under the programme within two years.
Russell described birth registration as critical to guaranteeing children’s rights and access to public services.
“Birth registration is one of the most important measures because children are our priority.”
She further commended campaigns against female genital mutilation and efforts targeted at improving outcomes for women and children.
Responding, Oluremi Tinubu said investment in children remains essential to national development.
“When children are not well invested in, no matter how wealthy a country is, it will not make substantial progress.”
The First Lady identified out-of-school children and the Almajiri phenomenon as major national concerns requiring urgent intervention.
She said the government was exploring ways to integrate vulnerable children into formal education alongside vocational training.
“We must invest in our children.”
