‘Millions of children in Nigeria under threats of acute food security, trauma’

THE Save Children International in Nigeria has called for more proactive measures by government and other stakeholders to protect millions of children under the threats of cute food security and access to education as a result of the effects of Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

This was contained in a press statement issued, signed and made available to newsmen in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital by the Information and External Communications Officer to the group, Kunle Olawoyin in commemoration of this year’s children’s day celebration.

It read: “The effect of COVID-19 pandemic is threatening to push millions of children into acute food insecurity, reduced access to education and protection services.”

The statement further stated that “Due to school closures during the pandemic, so many children especially girls are out of schools, found it difficult to access educational resources, even those writing their external examinations were not able to sit for the examinations as scheduled and it affected their admission into higher learning institution.”

According to the statement “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the wellbeing and education of children from poorer backgrounds and is widening inequality gaps between the rich and poor, and boys and girls. The most vulnerable children have disproportionately missed out on education, healthcare, food and suffered the greatest protection risks.”

“Since the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 is first reported, Save the Children International Nigeria donated a total of N108 million worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) materials, Medical Supplies and Oxygen Devices to support the response actions in Lagos, Jigawa States and FCT Administration,” the statement emphasis.

It’s also states further that “We also supported long distance radio interactive learning whilst schools were closed and distributed over 4,500 solar powered radio handsets to the most vulnerable children within targeted communities in the north east to enhance their ability to participate in radio home learning programs.”

“The pandemic is not over yet. The impacts are visible. It needs a continued and stronger local and international collaboration of all stakeholders to minimize and reverse the damages. I would like to encourage the community at large to take maximum precaution to protect themselves from the pandemic by observing the standard medical advisories, including social distancing protocols, proper use of face masks, sensitizers and hand washing.”

Save the Children calls upon governments and donors to protect the learning and well-being of a generation of children and youth and address the deepening education crisis as a result of COVID-19 by committing funding to deliver on a global education action plan to ensure a safe return to school for all children, including in Nigeria

The organization also expressed concern over the constant attack of schools and kidnapping of children in some parts of the country.

 “The ugly sittuation has increased the trauma children experience daily thereby limiting their opportunities to survive, learn and be protected.”

“Every child in Nigeria deserves to enjoy their rights to have free, safe, inclusive, quality and uninterrupted education. Attacks on schools are grave human rights violation and lack of basic decency.”

Written By; Adamu Adamu

Source: Nigerian Tribune

Link: https://tribuneonlineng.com/millions-of-children-in-nigeria-under-threats-of-acute-food-security-trauma/amp/?__twitter_impression=true