By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Children in Bauchi took centre stage on Thursday as UNICEF Nigeria, Bauchi Field Office, in collaboration with state MDAs, marked the 2025 World Children’s Day with a special interface between children and policymakers. The event created a rare platform where children engaged directly with government officials, community leaders, civil society groups, and the media under the theme “My Day, My Rights.”
Speaking at the celebration, the Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique—represented by Oluseyi Olosunde—reminded participants that World Children’s Day commemorates the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. She emphasized that children’s rights are non-negotiable human rights and called on the media to continue amplifying the concerns and aspirations of children beyond symbolic events.
During the interface, children boldly presented their demands to government and stakeholders, calling for safer school environments, improved WASH facilities, functional infrastructure, and modern teaching aids. They also urged the state to strengthen nutrition services, quality healthcare delivery, and social protection policies that support their development and ensure every child reaches their full potential.
The State Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Bar Association, Bauchi Chapter, delivered interactive sessions educating the children on their rights as protected by law. The sessions empowered the young participants with knowledge on legal safeguards available to them within the justice system.
In their remarks, the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Muhammad Lawan Riminzayan, and ALGON State Chairman, Mahmood Babama’aji, expressed appreciation to UNICEF for creating a unique platform for children’s voices to be heard. They pledged stronger collaboration and commitment toward enhancing child welfare programmes across the state.
They further acknowledged the support of Governor Bala Mohammed and the First Lady, praising their continued investment in programmes that improve the wellbeing of children, women, and vulnerable groups in Bauchi State. World Children’s Day, celebrated annually on 20 November, once again served as a reminder of the urgent need to protect and prioritize the rights of every child.