As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark Children’s Day 2025, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has issued a clarion call to government authorities and stakeholders to prioritize the plight of the nation’s children, particularly those out of school.
In a statement released by the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, the association expressed deep concern over the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, describing it as a national emergency that demands immediate and sustained action.
Citing recent data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ikpang noted that Nigeria currently accounts for approximately 18.3 million out-of-school children, the highest number globally. She stressed that this statistic is a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive, inclusive policies to address the systemic challenges hindering access to education for millions of Nigerian children.
“Today, as we celebrate the heartbeat of our great nation, our children, we reaffirm NAWOJ’s commitment to advocating for their rights, education, and overall well-being,” Ikpang said. “We must build inclusive, innovative, and inspiring systems where every Nigerian child can thrive, shine, and soar.”
NAWOJ FCT further urged policymakers, community leaders, civil society organizations, and parents to work collaboratively in shaping a future where every child’s potential is nurtured, their dreams protected, and their future secured.
The association also called for heightened public awareness and continuous advocacy campaigns aimed at promoting child rights, tackling child labor, and ensuring access to quality education across all regions of the country.
Happy Children’s Day 2025!
NAWOJ FCT celebrates and stands with every Nigerian children
