The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria, has announced the appointment of music producers, musicians, and film actors – Cobhams Asuquo, WAJE, Kate Henshaw, and Ali Nuhu, as UNICEF Champions for a period of 12 months.
Over the course of the next year, these champions will serve as powerful voices amplifying issues around child rights in Nigeria. They will be working together with UNICEF to elevate pressing concerns related to children, spanning sectors such as health, education, nutrition, child protection, water sanitation, and hygiene.
The UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate, at the announcement of the Nigerian celebrities as UNICEF champions event, on Wednesday, in Lagos, lauded the commitment and unmatched influence of the champions.
“We are truly elated to join hands with such influential voices in the entertainment industry – Cobhams, WAJE, Kate Henshaw, and Ali Nuhu. Their dedication and passion for children’s rights will undeniably amplify the urgency of the issues we fight for daily.
“This collaboration symbolizes a bridge between the commitment to child rights and the power of art and storytelling. Through music, film, and public engagement, we hope to touch hearts, shift perspectives, and inspire action,” Munduate said.
As UNICEF champions, Cobhams, WAJE, Kate Henshaw, and Ali Nuhu will engage in numerous initiatives and campaigns designed to ensure every child’s right to survival, growth, development, and protection is upheld and championed.
In her remarks, Afropop and soul artist, Waje said that the influence of being a UNICEF Champion and collaborating with decision-makers would spotlight the challenges that children battle with in the society and help shape policies that will make the children have a better tomorrow than today.
In his remark, Cobhams Asuquo expressed delight to be named as one of the champions, while imploring parents to pay more attention to their wards, as this will aid their growth, and shape their minds while becoming champions and social change agents in society.
On her part, Veteran Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw lauded the UNICEF initiative for promoting the well-being of children while bringing to the fore issues bothering about child education, nutrition, health, and the environment where they are raised as well.
She stressed the average Nigerian child needs to have a chance at life, be able to compete with their counterpart anywhere in the world and contribute to the nation as a whole. On the home front, the local government chairman, the state government, and the federal government should play their part in the actualization of the Nigerian child’s dream, Henshaw advised.
Meanwhile, Kannywood Actor, Ali Nuhu expressed his determination to disseminate the message of taking care of the child, protecting and not exposing them to hazards. He, however, advised that engaging the local language through the aid of Islamic clergies will make the information resonate with their subjects.
He added that sensitizing the public about their responsibilities as well as calling on the government to contribute their quota, adequate attention, care, and well-being of the children will foster their growth in society.
