United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) calls upon traditional and religious leaders in Nigeria to mobilize and educate their subjects on the need to tackle polio, girl education and child protection.
UNICEF Deputy Representative, Mr. Jacques Boyer, has stressed that the recent data released by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development , showed that 17.5 million children were vulnerable in Nigeria
He made the call at a high level advocacy meeting with religious and traditional leaders from the 10 northern Nigerian states, a programme which was supported by UNICEF D-Field office, Bauchi. “Over the years, religious and traditional leaders, besides state governments, have to be very important partners that have significantly contributed to improving the lives of children and women in this part of Nigeria.” noted Boyer.
Mr. Boyer, however, noted that many challenges seemed to undermine the progress made, particularly in the area of polio eradication, girls’ education and child protection. He stated that in 2010, polio cases in Nigeria dropped to 21, from a staggering load of 338 cases in 2009, saying that this year, as of this month, 20 cases of wild polio virus were reported in six states compared to six cases in four states.
“Our children need us even more during emergencies, when the normal course of life is abrupt by natural or man made disasters. However, experience has shown that it is during those trying times of emergence that these children are often neglected,” he stated.
Source: Nigerian Tribune
