UNICEF Lauds FG Over Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Commends Tinubu’s Child Welfare Initiatives

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

The commendation came on Thursday during a visit by a UNICEF delegation, led by its Executive Director, Catherine Russell, to the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House, Abuja.

Russell praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the safety of children, noting that children remain among the most vulnerable victims of conflict, violence and abduction across the world.

“What I see in my travels around the world is that conflict is one of the most difficult situations for children. Whether it is displacement, violence or abductions, children need to be protected in these situations,” she said.

She added that UNICEF remained committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to improve the welfare and protection of children.

The UNICEF chief also applauded the First Lady for placing women and children at the centre of her interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), describing investments in children as investments in the nation’s future.

“I think investing in women and children is an investment in the future of the nation. UNICEF is glad to continue partnering with Nigeria and supporting these efforts,” Russell stated.

She further commended the First Lady’s leadership in promoting birth registration, noting that Nigeria had recorded about 14 million birth registrations within two years, a feat she attributed in part to advocacy carried out under the Renewed Hope Initiative.

According to her, birth registration remains one of the most critical steps in guaranteeing children’s rights and ensuring access to essential services.

Russell also acknowledged Senator Tinubu’s advocacy against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other child protection initiatives.

Responding, the First Lady expressed delight over the safe return of the abducted pupils and thanked UNICEF for standing with Nigeria during difficult periods.

“We are used to UNICEF partnering with our office through advocacy because the role of the First Lady is complementary and supportive of government efforts,” she said.

Senator Tinubu stressed that investing in children remains essential to national development, regardless of a country’s economic strength.

“When children are not properly invested in, no matter how wealthy a nation is, it cannot attain sustainable growth. That is why, with my background in education, I have always believed we must invest in our children,” she said.

She acknowledged the challenges posed by Nigeria’s large population and insecurity, particularly in conflict-affected areas, while identifying the growing number of out-of-school children, especially Almajiri children, as another pressing concern.

The First Lady said the government was working to integrate more out-of-school children into formal education while providing opportunities for vocational and skills acquisition training.

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