Nigeria’s media heavyweights, policy influencers, and development advocates converged in Lagos for the World Children’s Day Media Symposium—an event that essentially put a giant spotlight on one truth: the future of Nigeria’s children depends heavily on how their stories are told.
The gathering, hosted by UNICEF Nigeria in partnership with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), carried a powerful theme: “Reinforcing the Role of Media in Mainstreaming Child Rights.” It brought editors, reporters, UNICEF ambassadors, civil society groups, and private-sector players into one strategic room to rethink how journalism can reshape the nation’s treatment of its youngest citizens.
A central talking point was the newly released Nigerian Child 2025 Report, which paints a tough reality. Two-thirds of Nigerian children live in multidimensional poverty, facing daily gaps in education, healthcare, nutrition, and safety. More than half suffer violence before turning 18, and one in three girls is married before adulthood. The statistics were a wake-up call—uncomfortable, yes, but necessary.
UNICEF Nigeria Representative Wafaa Saeed urged journalists to rise as catalysts of change, noting that the power of storytelling can humanize the data and ignite national action. According to her, each time the media gives a child a voice, the entire country takes one step closer to fairness and progress.
NGE President Eze Anaba emphasized the responsibility that editors shoulder. What the media chooses to highlight, the nation chooses to care about. For him, children’s issues must never fall off the editorial radar.
DAME Chairman Lanre Idowu reinforced that journalism isn’t just information—it’s impact. He reminded participants that pressing the right questions about children’s welfare can spark real improvements in communities, schools, and healthcare systems.
One of the event’s standout moments was a thought-provoking panel session led by Aproko Doctor (Dr. Chinonso Egemba). Leaders on the panel dissected Nigeria’s readiness to empower its children for the future, calling for hands-on implementation of policies, ethical storytelling, and stronger teamwork between media and development sectors. They highlighted the urgent need to challenge harmful traditions, expand skill-building opportunities for young people, and build an economy where children can thrive, not just survive.
The symposium wrapped up with a strong call to action:
Media houses should create Child Rights Desks, strengthen collaborations with key partners, and invest in deep, evidence-driven journalism that captures both the struggles and the solutions shaping children’s lives.
In a world where attention shapes destiny, the message was clear—Nigeria’s children deserve front-page priority.