Insecurity preventing many Nigerian children from playing — UNICEF
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that many Nigerian children are unable to play freely due to fear and insecurity across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday to mark the 2026 International Day of Play, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Lagos, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, said the situation has deprived many children of opportunities critical to their development.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Protect Play, Protect Childhood.”
Lafoucriere noted that in recent months, children have been abducted from schools in Borno, Niger and Kebbi states, as well as in neighbouring Oyo State, adding that some of the abducted children have yet to return home.
“This is the reality of childhood in the country in 2026, and we cannot stand here on International Day of Play and pretend otherwise. You will agree with me that too many children in the country are not playing,” she said.
According to her, many children are unable to play because their schools are overcrowded, while others lack adequate space, time and materials. She added that some children are afraid to attend school, while their parents are afraid to send them.
Lafoucriere stressed that play is essential to a child’s growth and development, noting that children learn when they explore, build things and interact with their peers.
“Play is not a reward for finishing work. Play is the work. And no child should be denied that — not by overcrowded classrooms, not by anyone with a gun. Let us all — journalists, government officials and parents — remember that a child who is not safe cannot learn. A child who cannot play will not grow into who they are meant to be. These two things are connected, and both of them need fixing now. Our children are watching; let us not let them down,” she said.
