UNICEF, Nigerian Media Leaders Join Forces to Champion Children’s Rights

• UNICEF, NGE, and DAME have signed an MOU to promote children’s rights through media advocacy, capacity-building, research, and policy advocacy
• The partnership aims to leverage the media’s influence to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and recognize impactful journalism

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) have formalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance children’s rights and welfare in Nigeria.

The partnership aims to harness the influential power of the media in promoting and safeguarding children’s rights nationwide.

According to a statement by UNICEF, the collaboration will prioritize advocacy and awareness campaigns, journalist capacity-building, shared research initiatives, recognition of impactful media contributions, and advocacy for policy changes to support children’s rights.

The MOU underscores a shared commitment among all parties to collectively work towards a society that prioritizes and advances the well-being of its youngest members.

UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, highlighted the media’s potential as a powerful advocate for children’s welfare. She emphasized that the partnership with the Nigerian Guild of Editors and DAME aims to revolutionize how children’s rights are reported and addressed in the media, ensuring that every child’s rights are upheld, protected, and fulfilled.

NGE President, Eze Anaba, emphasized the media’s capacity to shape perspectives and drive tangible change. He pledged to uphold journalistic integrity by focusing on sensitive and impactful reporting on children’s rights issues, reaffirming a commitment to collaborate in establishing a robust framework to support this cause.

Lanre Idowu, a trustee of DAME, stressed the importance of journalistic excellence, noting that recognition through awards is instrumental in elevating standards in journalism.

The two-year MOU outlines cooperation to enhance public advocacy and awareness of children’s rights through media campaigns and journalistic content focusing on education, health, nutrition, and protection.