UNICEF Hails FG Over Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Commends Tinubu’s Child Welfare Initiatives

UNICEF Hails FG Over Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Commends Tinubu’s Child Welfare Initiatives

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Federal Government for the successful rescue of the 39 abducted pupils and five teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a significant step in protecting children affected by insecurity.

The commendation came on Thursday when a UNICEF delegation, led by its Executive Director, Catherine Russell,

paid a courtesy visit to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House, Abuja.

Russell praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the safety of children, noting that the rescue underscored the government's commitment to protecting vulnerable groups amid security challenges.

She also lauded the First Lady's interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), particularly her advocacy for women and children, describing such investments as critical to Nigeria's future.

"Investing in women and children is an investment in the future of the nation," Russell said.

She reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to supporting Nigeria, especially in addressing the impact of conflict on children.

"Conflict remains one of the most devastating experiences for children, whether through displacement, violence or abduction. Children must be protected in these situations," she said.

The UNICEF chief also applauded the First Lady's role in promoting birth registration, noting that the campaign had led to the registration of about 14 million children across the country within two years.

According to her, the achievement reflects effective collaboration between UNICEF, government institutions and the Renewed Hope Initiative, adding that birth registration remains essential to securing children's rights and access to opportunities.

Russell further commended Senator Tinubu's advocacy against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of women and children.

Responding, the First Lady welcomed UNICEF's continued partnership with Nigeria and expressed delight over the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren.

She said UNICEF had consistently stood by the country through advocacy and technical support, stressing that the Office of the First Lady complements government efforts in promoting the wellbeing of women and children.

Tinubu emphasised that investing in children was indispensable to national development, noting that no country could achieve sustainable growth without prioritising education and child welfare.

Drawing from her background as an educator, she said Nigeria must continue to invest in children despite the challenges posed by insecurity and its growing population.

The First Lady also highlighted the government's efforts to address the challenge of out-of-school children, particularly Almajiri children, through expanded access to formal education and vocational training.

Members of the UNICEF delegation included the Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef; Chief of Staff, Ted Mary; Senior Adviser, Communication, Marlene Jensen; Head of Project, Marline Serrano; and Executive Specialist, Nabila Jamshed.