The Chief of UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, has called on Lagos State lawmakers and policymakers to take bold, measurable steps to protect and uplift children, stressing that global declines in child rights must not shape the Lagos narrative.
She appealed on Wednesday at the World Children’s Day Policy Dialogue with Legislators and Children’s Arts Exhibition, held at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking to lawmakers, government officials, and schoolchildren from across the state, Lafoucriere reminded attendees that World Children’s Day—celebrated every November 20—reinforces the fact that children’s rights are fundamental entitlements that must be safeguarded at all times.
“November 20 marks the day the world agreed that children have rights—not privileges—the right to survive, learn, be protected, and be heard,” she stated.
Lafoucriere raised concerns about global setbacks in child rights, noting that funding cuts are threatening children’s survival and development. She warned that these gaps could lead to 4.5 million additional child deaths by 2030, force six million more children out of school by 2026, and leave over 200 million children needing urgent support without assistance.
“This is the reality globally. But it must not become the Lagos story,” she said, commending the state for progress in areas such as birth registration.
She outlined the daily struggles many children face—hunger, inadequate learning materials, unsafe schools, limited access to clean water, and exposure to different forms of violence—and stressed that all children, regardless of background, are entitled to the same rights.
Lafoucriere urged lawmakers to move beyond listening to children’s experiences and respond with actionable commitments, emphasising the legislature’s power to effect change.
“You sit in the House of Assembly—the place where laws are made, budgets approved, and priorities set. You have the power to change their lives today,” she said.
She called for intentional investments in education, healthcare, digital learning, child protection, and platforms that enable children to participate in decisions affecting them. Every investment in a child, she noted, strengthens the future of Lagos.
“When the children finish speaking, we hope to hear concrete commitments—from fixing schools and expanding digital learning to improving health services and ensuring children’s voices are included in your decisions,” she appealed.
Reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Lagos State, Lafoucriere urged the leaders to make the 2025 World Children’s Day a defining moment.
“Let us leave here with actions children can see and feel in their daily lives. Let us show them what leadership truly looks like,” she said.
Government officials in attendance included the Chairman of the House Committee on Youths and Social Development, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya; the Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende; and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Pharm. (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu.
