The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has formed a partnership with prominent Nigerian celebrities to act as champions, driving transformative change and instilling hope for vulnerable and adolescent children.
During a recent event held in Ikoyi, Lagos, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, highlighted the significance of these champions as influential voices that will amplify child rights issues within the country.
Munduate introduced several figures from the music, entertainment, and film industries as UNICEF champions for a 12-month period. Among them are Cobhams Asuquo, Waje, Kate Henshaw, and Ali Nuhu.
“These individuals are crucial in bringing attention to the challenges faced by children in Nigeria and other nations. The aim is to increase awareness and gather support; UNICEF champions generously contribute their time,” Munduate explained.
Over the upcoming year, these champions will collaborate closely with UNICEF to raise awareness about critical concerns concerning children, prioritizing sectors such as healthcare, education, nutrition, child protection, water and sanitation, and hygiene.
The UNICEF Representative in Nigeria commended the unwavering commitment and remarkable influence of these champions. She emphasized that this partnership bridges the gap between advocating for child rights and harnessing the power of art and storytelling through mediums like music, film, and public engagement.
With heartfelt enthusiasm, she expressed, “We aspire to touch hearts, shift perspectives, and ignite action.”
“We are genuinely thrilled to unite with such influential voices from the entertainment industry – Waje, Asuquo, Henshaw, and Nuhu. Their dedication and passion for children’s rights will undoubtedly amplify the urgency of the issues we champion on a daily basis.”
Likewise, the champions are actively involved in a variety of initiatives and campaigns intended to uphold and champion every child’s right to survival, growth, development, and protection.
Henshaw affirmed, “Every Nigerian child will receive from all of us an opportunity for life and the chance to become a positive contributor to the nation and the environment as a whole.”
Nuhu echoed, “Collaboration across regions is essential, perhaps through mediums like national anthems or campaigns to convey the message.”
Asuquo, who is visually impaired, shared that the attention he received during his formative years significantly influenced his personal development. He stressed the importance of giving back.
He expressed his determination to leverage his position as a UNICEF champion to impact not only the lives of Nigerian children but also those around the world.
“It is our duty, as individuals in our respective fields, to utilize our artistic talents and gifts to impact the younger generation. We must pass on this influence to the youth who look up to us through the UNICEF platform, as this is the only way we can foster growth and sustainable development.”
Asuquo, also a UNICEF Ambassador, acknowledged the existing flaws in the system but added, “In places where progress has been made, people have used their artistic expressions as tools to effect positive change.”
