UNICEF Commends FG Over Rescue of Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren, Applauds Child Welfare Initiatives

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Federal Government for the successful rescue of 39 pupils and five teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the development as a significant step in protecting children affected by insecurity.

The commendation was made during a visit by a UNICEF delegation led by Executive Director, Catherine Russell, to Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.

Speaking during the meeting, Russell praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, noting that children remain among the most vulnerable victims of conflict, violence and insecurity across the world.

According to her, UNICEF recognizes the efforts of the Nigerian government in responding to incidents involving children and safeguarding their welfare.

She stressed that investing in women and children remains one of the most effective ways to secure a nation’s future, adding that UNICEF would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Nigerian children.

Russell noted that in many conflict-affected regions globally, children often bear the greatest burden through displacement, violence, disruption of education and abductions. She therefore welcomed the government’s intervention in securing the release of the Oyo victims.

The UNICEF chief also commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her advocacy on behalf of women and children through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), describing the programme as an important platform for promoting child welfare and social development.

UNICEF further applauded Nigeria’s recent achievements in birth registration, revealing that more than 14 million children have been registered across the country within the last two years.

The organization attributed the progress to collaboration between government agencies and advocacy efforts led by the First Lady through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Russell described birth registration as a fundamental right and a critical tool for ensuring that children have access to education, healthcare and other essential services.

She emphasized that as Nigeria continues its development journey, sustained investments in children would be vital for long-term national growth and prosperity.

The UNICEF delegation also acknowledged the First Lady’s role in campaigns against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), as well as other programmes focused on improving the welfare and protection of women and children.

Responding, Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s continued partnership with Nigeria, particularly during periods when the country faces humanitarian and security challenges.

The First Lady said the rescue of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren was encouraging and welcomed UNICEF’s solidarity with the government in advancing child protection efforts.

She stressed that children remain central to national development, arguing that no country can achieve meaningful progress without adequate investment in education and child welfare.

Drawing from her background as an educator, Tinubu said she has consistently advocated for greater attention to children’s needs, especially in areas affected by conflict and poverty.

The First Lady also highlighted concerns over the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, particularly Almajiri children in northern parts of the country.

According to her, the government is exploring measures to ensure that affected children gain access to formal education alongside vocational and skills training that can improve their future prospects.

She reiterated the administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for children regardless of their social or economic background.

Members of the UNICEF delegation included the Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, Chief of Staff Ted Mary, Senior Adviser for Communications Marlene Jensen, Project Head Marline Serrano, and Executive Specialist Nabila Jamshed.