…As Cohbams Asuquo, Mutiu Adepoju, Celebrate with Children
By: Theresa Moses
UNICEF Nigeria, La Liga Africa, Asisat Oshoala Foundation, National Orientation Agency have celebrated the World Children’s Day with a Football World Cup sends positive message about inclusion, non-discrimination, and climate change.
This year’s theme: “Inclusion, for every child” which is also the anniversary of the conversation on the Rights of the Child is an important day for advocacy on issues that matter to children and young people.
Ms. Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria has called on all the adults of the world to make a better life for children every day and at every moment and to support children’s rights.
A right to education, health, nutrition, to be protected in a safe environment, right to sing, to dance, participate and to celebrate the boys.
“Today is a very special day, we are celebrating World Children’s Day, all around the globe in all the countries, UNICEF is supporting children and celebrating them today.
“The meaning is celebrating that children have, right. A right to education, right to health, right to nutrition, right to be protected in a safe environment, right to sing, to dance, participate and to celebrate the boys and all of us, all the adults of the world. We have to work and commit to make sure they have the rights guaranteed. So this is what we are celebrating today.
And we are calling for a compromise commitment from us adults to make a better life for children every day and at every moment. That is what I want to share with you today” she said.
According to UNICEF Nigeria, this year’s World Children’s Day coincides with the start of the Football World Cup, an excellent opportunity to link football and childhood, consistent with UNICEF’s core brand, “For every child”.
In a world where division is entrenched in everyday lives, football has the power to unite nothing else. When it comes to children’s rights, there can be only one team, no matter which nation we support.
Addressing the children, Mr. Cobhams Asuquo, UNICEF Nigeria Ambassador, award-winning Nigerian Musician, producer and songwriter said children have the right to enjoy their childhood in a safe environment, in a system that will support their right, dreams and education and to care for others.
“You should enjoy your childhood, you have the right to enjoy your childhood, and you should enjoy your childhood in a safe environment, in a system that will support your right, your dreams and education. That is why people like me are dedicated. The reason why you should enjoy your childhood is to make sure that you form good habits, because whatever you form now is the habit that you will grow old with.
“You are never too young to care for each other; you are never too young to care for your loved ones, your siblings, parents, and teachers and for yourself. You have the responsibility to become better children for society. You are smart and we know you all understand. I love you all” he said.
In his speech, Mr. Mutiu Adepoju, Ex-Super Eagles player and La Liga Ambassador encouraged children to be hardworking, obedient; listen to teachers, parents, coaches that the sky’s the limit if focused in what they do and be disciplined.
“It gives me joy and pleasure to be with you. Just like this, that’s how we started our career on the street, later in the school. It’s very important that we are here today to come and celebrate you and be with you and share some experience with you.
“I started football very young when I was in primary school and I was encouraged. From there to secondary school, I kept going till I got to represent Oyo state in the National Sport Festival. After that I played for some clubs and afterwards I moved a step further to Spain.
“Before then, I represented Nigeria in the U20 World Cup. With God, hard work, I got thus far in my career. I just want to encourage you children that the sky’s the limit if you’re focused on what you’re doing. If you want to be a professional footballer, or become anything in this world, it requires discipline. In everything you do, focus on your studies, they are very important. Be hardworking, be obedient; listen to your teachers, parents, coaches etc. I wish you all the best” he said.
Highlights of the event include creative painting by children including children living with disabilities made different artwork representing images of the theme of climate change and preserving the environment such as tree, the sun and the earth capped with a football match played amongst the children and a musical performance by Mr. Cobhams Asuquo, UNICEF Nigeria Ambassador at Astro Turf, Ikoyi, Lagos today, 20th November, 2022.
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