FG, UNICEF Urge Broadcasters On Children Participation In Broadcast Programmes

The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, and the United Nations Children’s’ Fund (UNICEF) have urged broadcasters to allow children to participate in the 2023 edition of the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB).
They made the call in a joint statement in Abuja ahead of the ICDB celebration on Sunday.
According to the statement, signed by Mr Geoffrey Njoku of UNICEF and Ms Mercy Megwa of Ministry of Information and Culture, the 2023 celebration is themed “More Money for Primary Education”.
They urged the children to use the day to produce documentaries that highlight the plight of children in Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, primary education is officially free and compulsory but 18 million of the country’s children aged between five and 14 years are not in school.
“Only 61 per cent of six to 11 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,” the statement said.
The Tide’s source reports that the ICDB was launched by UNICEF in 1991 to encourage broadcasters worldwide to create awareness on children’s issues.
Celebrated every first sunday in March, it is 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.