UNICEF signs MoU with DAME, NGE to advance rights of Nigerian children

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).

The MoU is aimed at advancing public advocacy on the rights of children through media campaigns with a focus on health, nutrition and education in line with the UNICEF priorities.

The partnership will also support training programmes for journalists on reporting about vulnerable populations and the use of media influence to steer policy changes that benefit children’s welfare.

In a statement on Friday, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF representative in Nigeria, said the MoU highlights the determination of all parties to work together towards upholding and advancing the welfare of children.

“This partnership with the Nigerian Guild of Editors and DAME harnesses the media’s immense potential as an advocate for the welfare of children,” the statement reads.

“Media not only informs public opinion but also influences those in power to enact changes that favour children’s rights.

“By joining forces, we are setting a course to transform how children’s rights are reported and addressed in the media, ensuring every child’s rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.”

Eze Anaba, president of the NGE, said “media has the profound capacity to shape perspectives and effect real change”.

“Through this MOU, we are pledging to uphold the integrity of journalism by focusing our collective expertise on sensitive and impactful reporting concerning children’s rights,” Anaba added.

“We are committed to working together to build a robust framework that supports this cause.”

Lanre Idowu, the trustee of DAME, said rewarding the work of journalists through awards improves media standards.

“By focusing on issues such as child rights, education, and health, we aim to spotlight and incentivize the media to cover stories that can lead to substantial social impact,” Idowu added.

“This partnership is not just about awarding excellence, but about creating a movement for meaningful media engagement on issues that affect the most vulnerable in our society.”

The partnership will last for four years.