UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office Chief, Celine Lafoucriere, joined lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), Alausa, to commemorate World Children’s Day (WCD) and draw attention to key issues affecting children in the state.
During the WCD Policy Dialogue with Legislators and a Children’s Arts Exhibition on Thursday, Lafoucriere urged legislators to place children’s rights at the centre of their work—especially rights to identity, protection, education, health, and proper nutrition.
The 2025 World Children’s Day theme, “My Day, My Right,” reflects a global call to action and is observed annually on Nov. 20.
The day commemorates the Convention on the Rights of the Child and encourages communities, institutions, and governments to uphold their commitments to young people.
Lafoucriere appealed to lawmakers to convert the stories and realities of children into concrete policies, stressing that the Assembly holds significant power to shape better outcomes for the next generation.
“You sit in a chamber where laws, budgets and priorities are shaped. This places you in a position to make meaningful, life-changing decisions for children,” she said.
She noted that World Children’s Day creates an opportunity to amplify children’s voices, mobilise public support and ensure their concerns are recognised and acted upon.
According to her, investing in children leads to healthier, more capable adults, and UNICEF will continue partnering with Lagos State to ensure every child’s rights are protected and fulfilled.
Acknowledging Lagos’ progress in birth registration, she emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders.
She added that children deserve comprehensive support—regardless of their background—and urged communities, institutions and the government to work together in safeguarding children’s rights.
Lafoucriere also expressed concern that several children remain out of school. She said UNICEF is working with state authorities to eliminate barriers, improve access and build inclusive learning systems where every child can flourish.
She stressed that child protection must go beyond school walls, extending into homes, neighbourhoods and everyday life, adding that safety must be guaranteed for every Nigerian child.
Reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment, she said the organisation would continue supporting Lagos State in building an environment where children can learn, grow, play and reach their full potential.
Responding, the Leader of the House, Temitope Adewale, stated that the state government was taking steps to strengthen systems that improve children’s well-being. He assured that all issues raised would be looked into thoroughly.
Chairman of the House Committee on Youths and Social Development, Abiodun Orekoya, praised UNICEF for its continuous dedication to improving children’s lives and creating a better future for them.
He encouraged the children present to aspire to leadership roles, including becoming lawmakers, and advised them to stay away from drugs so they can excel and achieve their dreams.
The event brought together students from schools across Lagos, members of the Assembly, and senior government officials.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Pharm. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, was in attendance, along with other Assembly officials.
The day ended with the Speaker of the 7th Lagos State Children’s Parliament, Abdulsalam Anjolaoluwa, leading children in sharing their hopes for improvements in education, health, sanitation, innovation and other areas important to their lives.