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By Chinenye Anuforo
UNICEF has called on Lagos lawmakers to make concrete commitments toward improving the welfare of children across the state, warning that global declines in child-focused funding are putting millions at risk.
The appeal was made by Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, during the World Children’s Day Policy Dialogue and Children’s Art Exhibition held at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, Alausa.
In her keynote address, Lafoucriere said the world is witnessing a pullback on child rights, with shrinking resources threatening children’s survival and education. She noted that global funding cuts could lead to 4.5 million additional child deaths by 2030 and push six million more children out of school by 2026, even as over 200 million children worldwide urgently need assistance.
“This is the world we are operating in right now. But it does not have to be our Lagos story,” she said, praising Lagos for leading the country in birth registration and demonstrating political will when children’s issues are prioritised.
Lafoucriere reminded lawmakers that the children present drawn from schools across Lagos share the same rights to education, health, protection, clean water and participation. She said their testimonies about poor school facilities, hunger, violence and exclusion underscore the urgent need for policy action. “Do not just listen politely and move on. What they are describing is not acceptable. Not in our Lagos,” she told legislators.
She urged the Assembly to make specific commitments on fixing dilapidated schools, expanding digital learning, improving health services, and creating channels for children’s voices in policymaking. “Every child you invest in becomes a healthier, smarter, more productive adult,” she said. “Every child you empower becomes a leader who builds a better Lagos.”
The policy dialogue, organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, also featured a mock parliamentary session in which schoolchildren debated issues affecting their lives. Led by Children’s Speaker Abdulsalm Anjolaoluwa of Oriwu Senior Model College, the students highlighted concerns including unsafe learning environments, mental health challenges, water and sanitation gaps, digital safety and lack of recreational facilities.
Lawmakers present commended the children’s engagement. Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Social Development, Abiodun Orekoya, urged them to stay focused and avoid negative influences, while Foluke Osafile of Amuwo Odofin Constituency I said the issues raised were not requests but rights that must be reflected in upcoming budget discussions.
Representing the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Majority Leader, Hon. Moheed Adam, reaffirmed the Assembly’s support and assured that the children’s recommendations would be given serious consideration.
The event closed with renewed commitments from both UNICEF and Lagos lawmakers to work together toward improving child welfare across the state.
