Climate Change: Over 100m Nigerian children in danger – UNICEF
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that over 110 million Nigerian children are at risk of the effects of climate change.
A statement by the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, released at the end of an inter school quiz competition, Monday in Gombe State as part of activities to mark the 2023 World Children’s Day, further warned that Nigeria remains the second most vulnerable country worldwide in terms of children’s exposure to climate change.
The day, established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day, is celebrated on November 20 each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare. The global observance day has “For Every Child, Every Right” as its theme.
According to Munduate, Nigerian children are also confronted with flooding, drought and severe storms. She stated that child displacement due to environmental disasters such as flood from 2016 to 2021 in Nigeria stood at 650,000.
“the 2023 World Children’s Day celebration is a crucial platform for children to voice out their concerns and experiences. Nigeria celebrated World Children’s Day, focusing on child rights amid escalating climate crisis. Events across the country saw children from various regions, including Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Enugu, Sokoto, and Maiduguri, leading discussions on the significant impact of climate change on their lives and future.
“The discussions covered various critical issues, including the direct health impact of climate change on children, such as increased physical dangers, waterborne diseases, and malnutrition. The event also shed light on the alarming rate of child displacement due to environmental disasters, with 650,000 children displaced from 2016 to 2021 due to floods.
“Over 110 million Nigerian children are at risk, having confronted the harsh realities of rising temperatures, flooding, drought, and severe storms,” she said.
Munduate, however, said that children’s input in this year’s celebration was essential in shaping stakeholders collective path toward a sustainable and resilient future.
The Officer in Charge, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Mr Clement Adams, said children must be celebrated and a better environment must be put in place for them to thrive.
