The Guardian (Nigeria)

UNICEF advocates more sport opportunit­ies for kids on World Children’s Day

- By Alex Monye

NIGERIA, at the weekend, joined the rest of the world to celebrate Children’s Day with the United Nation’s Internatio­nal Children’s Emergency Fund ( UNICEF), urging government­s, at all levels, and parents to create an enabling environmen­t for children to participat­e in sports and other activities.

Speaking after a five- a- side football championsh­ip held at Astroturf 2000, Ikoyi, Lagos, to mark the day, Nigeria’s UNICEF representa­tive, Christian Monduate, said the theme of this year’s World Children’s Day, which is inclusiven­ess of children in every activity, was projected to enlighten people that the country’s children should be given equal opportunit­ies with their counterpar­ts round the world to aspire for quality education and engage in sports to become better citizens in the future.

“UNICEF is celebratin­g World Children’s Day with the vision of giving hope to every Nigerian child.

“Our goal is to ensure every child is given equal opportunit­y to get to any level they can attain. Making children express themselves by taking part in this football activity is another platform to educate government at all levels and parents to allow children play and hone their skills.

“Football has a way to also unite children. Every Nigerian child needs good health, education, well- nourished food and UNICEF, as a world body, is sensitisin­g parents.”

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