Published By Adeola Ogunlade
As part of the activities marking the 2022 UNICEF International Children’s Day of Broadcasting, African Children of Peace Club, an affiliate of the African Foundation for Peace and Love Initiative (AFPLI) in partnership with Metro FM, KAFTAN TV, and WFM 91.7 has concluded plans to hold children interactive programme on the 6th to 9th of March.
The Founding President of AFPLI, Rev Titus Oyeyemi said this in a release available to newsmen, said that the programme tagged: Every Nigeria Child in School will provide an opportunity for some selected children to share their hopes and dreams of a Nigeria where every child will have access to basic education and sustainable livelihood.
He said that the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting was launched by UNICEF in 1991 in order to encourage broadcasters worldwide to create awareness for children’s issues. Broadcasters would air quality programming for and about children. It holds every First Sunday in March annually across the world.
“The theme of this year’s ICDB highlights the principles of the Child Rights Act, Section 15, which states that “Every child has the right to free, compulsory and universal basic education and it shall be the duty of the Government in Nigeria to provide such education. (2) Every parent or guardian shall ensure that his child or ward attends and completes his – (a) primary school education and (b) junior secondary education.”
Oyeyemi noted that the focus of the programme is at the heart of a strong campaign that UNICEF and our organisation (AFPLI) to get more out-of-school children enrolled and encouraged them to brand the day and produce special programmes with children.
“AFPLI hopes that the discussion and perspective of the participating children will prove useful to other child rights-focused organisations as we seek to better understand what children desire as we grapple with increasing out of school children and crisis situations in parts of the country and how they can be supported, equipped, and encouraged”.
He further stressed that we are also desirous to empower children and create media access for them to tell their stories, express their hopes, and share their aspirations about peace and their quest for improved access to education for millions of children in Nigeria. Children need awareness to see, pursue, explore, engage, and utilize opportunities around them to build an improved and sustainable future.
Oyeyemi noted that since 2003, the African Children of Peace Club is one and first of the four school base peace clubs that the African Foundation for Peace and Love Initiatives is using to promote her youth peace and Nation-building programme within the Nigeria Education system.
He opined that radio and television are an effective and economically feasible opportunity for young people to express themselves, to display their knowledge, their interests, and concerns.
He pointed out that although children are the major consumer of radio and television programmes; they also have the aptitude to create content and amplify their concerns, hopes, and aspirations for a brighter future.