‘Lack of Vaccination Places Children at Risk of Preventable Diseases,’ says UNICEF, NGE

By Adebisi Bolarinwa, Foubri Vanessa, Nancy Omotoun, Faidat Azeez, Bisola Jemilugba, Adesewa Adeyinka

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have raised concerns over the growing threats to the well-being of Nigerian children, calling for urgent, practical measures to protect their future.

Speaking at the World Children’s Day symposium organised by UNICEF, NGE, and Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) on November 25, 2025, Eze Anaba, president of the NGE, said millions of Nigerian children remain unvaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to preventable diseases.

He said many children across the country continue to suffer violence, abuse, child labour and early marriage, while others in conflict-prone regions are forced into becoming child combatants.

Anaba described these conditions as life-altering realities that are denying children their rights and undermining the country’s long-term stability.

He urged the media to take an active role in spotlighting issues affecting children, stressing that journalism must drive public awareness and influence policy reform.

According to him, the media must amplify children’s voices, highlight gaps in health, education and security, and rely on accurate and verifiable data while reporting.

Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Nigeria representative, said the 2025 World Children’s Day theme, “My Day, My Rights,” reinforces the need to allow children participate in decisions that shape their lives.

She said journalists have a unique responsibility to shift public perception by portraying children not as statistics, but as individuals with agency, resilience and rights.

“Every time a journalist gives voice to a child, the nation takes a step forward,” she said.

Tayo Popoola, Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, said the National Population Policy encourages smaller family sizes to improve child welfare and strengthen national development.

He said some political leaders do not model the policy’s principles, and criticised the media for sensationalising such situations rather than interrogating their impact on population management.

Popoola urged journalists to use their statutory role to promote adherence to the National Population Policy, noting that supporting the policy’s objectives will help secure a better future for Nigerian children.