Daud Olatunji
A stark revelation has emerged that over 110 million Nigerian children stand at risk, confronting the harsh realities of rising temperatures, flooding, drought, and severe storms.
A press release issued by the United Nations Children’s Fund also revealed that an alarming 650,000 children were displaced between 2016 and 2021 due to floods alone.
Nigeria, ranking as the second most vulnerable country globally in terms of children’s exposure to climate change, grapples with severe challenges.
The statistics were contained in a press release issued to journalists in Lagos by UNICEF as part of activities marking the 2023 World Children’s Day (WCD), which is marked every November 20.
Children from diverse regions, including Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Enugu, Sokoto, and Maiduguri, took center stage, engaging in discussions on the profound impact of climate change on their lives and futures.
The discussions delved into critical issues, unveiling the direct health repercussions of climate change on children, encompassing increased physical dangers, waterborne diseases, and malnutrition.
Dr. Salisu Dahiru, Director General of the National Council on Climate Change emphasized the urgency of a swift and comprehensive response, stressing the need for decision-making processes that consider the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly children and women.
According Dahiru,”This celebration is a crucial platform for our children, the most affected by climate change, to voice their concerns and experiences.
Also speaking, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria,said
the Children’s input is essential in shaping the collective path towards a sustainable and resilient future.
Munduate said “This celebration is a crucial platform for our children, the most affected by climate change, to voice their concerns and experiences. Their input is essential in shaping our collective path towards a sustainable and resilient future.”
The celebration spotlighted collaborative efforts between the government, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector, emphasizing advocacy, partnerships, and climate education.
The goal is to pave the way for a resilient future that safeguards the well-being of Nigerian children in the face of climate change.
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