The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG,) is partnering UNICEF Nigeria, to address Multidimensional poverty affecting the rights and development of Children in the country for sustainable development.
At the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding MOU in Abuja, the Chairman NESG, Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf said two-thirds of Nigeria’s children were multidimensionally poor which called for huge investment to scale up action that will break the cycle of poverty.
He further said that the partnership with UNICEF would interface and advocate at the highest policy levels for a child-centered approach to development to secure the future of Nigeria through child development.
“Our partnership with UNICEF is both timely and significant. UNICEF is a leading provider of humanitarian and developmental aid for children worldwide, and this launch represents a critical step towards a future where children’s rights are respected, and they receive the support they need to become productive citizens.” He said
Similarly, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, explained that children’s right to health, nutrition and care, especially during the first 1000 days of life, could have a significant impact on breaking the cycle of poverty for families, communities and shape a society’s long-term stability and prosperity.
“UNICEF is dedicated to protecting children’s rights in Nigeria and worldwide, and helping them build a strong foundation for their future”.
Our partnership with NESG highlights the urgency of realizing this goal and will coordinate efforts to achieve child rights protection in Nigeria through effective public policies.” She said
The Chief Operating Officer and Senior Fellow, NESG, Mr. Tayo Aduloju said it was fundamental to build platforms to accelerate the agenda of child multidimensional poverty reduction as the Nigeria child is already faced with an existential threat in the midst of many social deprivation.
the group reported that about 54 per cent of children in Nigeria are multidimensionally poor by facing at least three deprivations across seven dimensions of child rights.
Reporting by Azizatu Sani; Editing by Fany Olumoye & Julian Osamoto