UNICEF, IHS Nigeria Sign Pact On Rural Children Support

L-R: Peter Hawkins UNICEF Nigeria and Mohamad Darwish IHS Nigeria Chief Executive Officer
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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has signed a partnership with IHS Nigeria, the Nigerian subsidiary of IHS Towers, in support of a Child Friendly Community Initiative (CFCI) targeted at accelerating tangible and sustained improvements in the well-being and development of children in rural communities in the country.

UNICEF is working with the Federal Government to empower and strengthen the capacity of local governments and rural communities.

This includes working with local development councils, religious and traditional leaders to adopt child-centred attitudes, behaviours and practices to improve access to basic services that promote child well-being and development.

A release by Blessing Ejiofor, Communication Officer, UNICEF Nigeria, said children and women in Nigeria face multiple deprivations and challenges rooted in poverty and inequality.

The release said that millions of them were vulnerable to disease, suffering malnutrition, lack of education and numerous violations of their rights.

UNICEF aims for the Child Friendly Community Initiative to help accelerate tangible and sustained improvements for children in rural Nigeria who are consistently experiencing the highest levels of deprivation and poverty, with a view towards Nigeria achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

“Vulnerable children tend to suffer from multiple overlapping deprivations that are often mutually reinforcing,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Nigeria Representative.

He added; “UNICEF believes a holistic and integrated approach is required that actively supports communities and local government with child-centred planning and service delivery, informed decision-making and corresponding attitudes, behaviours and practices that lead to better outcomes for children.


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