UNICEF Praises Nigeria for Rescuing Abducted Students and Teachers

UNICEF commended the Federal Government of Nigeria, led by President Bola Tinubu, for successfully rescuing 39 pupils and five teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF’s Mission to Nigeria, delivered the praise during a visit to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the State House.

Russell emphasized the importance of investing in women and children as crucial for Nigeria’s future, and acknowledged the challenges children face during conflicts including displacement and violence. UNICEF also lauded the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) for significantly increasing birth registrations.

The organization reported a surge of 14 million registered children across Nigeria in two years, attributing the success to advocacy efforts led by Mrs. Tinubu. Discussions also covered ongoing concerns like out-of-school children and the need for skills acquisition programs.