Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Journalists, policymakers, and development leaders converge in Lagos for the World Children’s Day Media Symposium, calling for a stronger national commitment to child protection through storytelling and accountability journalism.
In a joint statement, UNICEF Nigeria, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence say the forum examines how the press can help reshape policies, expose systemic gaps, and amplify children’s voices.
The discussion centres on revelations from the Nigerian Child 2025 Report, which shows that two-thirds of Nigerian children live in multidimensional poverty, over half experience violence before adulthood, and one in three girls marries before the legal age.
UNICEF Representative, Wafaa Saeed, stresses the urgency of media involvement:
“The data tells us millions of children are being left behind, but it also shows where progress is possible. Every time a journalist gives voice to a child, the nation moves forward.”
NGE President, Eze Anaba, underscores newsroom responsibility: “Editors decide what the nation pays attention to. We must ensure children’s struggles remain part of the national conversation.”
Diamond Awards Chairman, Lanre Idowu, adds: “Good journalism saves lives. When the press asks tough questions about schools, hospitals or safety, change begins.”
Stakeholders recommend establishing child-rights desks in media organisations, strengthening partnerships with development agencies, and integrating child-rights education into journalism training. They argue that children’s welfare must shift from charity-themed coverage to public accountability.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Korede Abdullah 
Koko Maxwella