Lai tells broadcast stations to accommodate children on March 5

Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, has asked broadcast organisations to give children the opportunity to work with them on March 5, the international Children’s day of broadcasting.

Mohammed said this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

He called on the media to work with children on this day for national development.

“In this era of change, children’s voices can bring in a refreshing perspective to the issues of national development. Let us give every Nigerian child irrespective of status, location or disability a chance to contribute to our national development efforts,” he said.

Enshrined in articles 12 and 14 of the UN convention on the rights of the child, is the right of children to form their own views and to express their views freely through the media on matters affecting them.

The theme for this year is ‘Early childhood development, key to every child’s full development and future prosperity’.

It seeks to espouse the principles of the convention on the rights of the child irrespective of their status and situation –  the enjoyment of their right development as enshrined in the convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Child Rights Act 2003.

The international children’s day of broadcasting is a day set aside to promote the rights of the child, especially their right to participation. It serves as a platform for a synergy of effort by the media and the children themselves.

The broadcast media in Nigeria has participated in commemorating the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting since 1992.