By Gom Mirian
The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has charged broadcasters to give quality attention to kids’ programs.
The organisations gave the charge in a statement issued ahead of the
2023 International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) on Wednesday in Abuja, themed “More Money for Primary Education”.
The statement jointly issued by the Director/Head Advocacy (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Mercy Megwa and the communications specialists, UNICEF, Dr. Geoffrey Njoku, also said children should be allowed to be a part of the programming process.
According to the statement, despite primary education being officially free and compulsory, 18 million of the country’s children in Nigeria aged between 5 and 14years are not in school.
“In Nigeria, primary education is officially free and compulsory but 18 million of the country’s children aged between 5 and 14 years are not in school. Only 61 percent of 6 -year-olds regularly attend primary school.
“Adequate funding of primary education will create an enabling environment for increased demand for qualitative education which is the bedrock of enhanced knowledge, improved behaviour and personal growth of the children.
“We therefore enjoin broadcasters to open airwaves to the children for this year’s celebration and throughout the year and also to produce documentaries that highlight the plight of children in Nigeria
The International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) was created by UNICEF in 1991.
This day is celebrated on the first Sunday in March of every year. This holiday aims to encourage broadcasters worldwide to create awareness on children’s issues.
It’s a day broadcasters allow children to be part of the programming process, to talk about their hopes, dreams and exchange ideas with their peers on issues affecting them.
