UNICEF commends FG over rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Federal Government for the rescue of 39 pupils and five teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the intervention as a significant step in protecting children affected by conflict.

The commendation was made on Thursday when a UNICEF delegation, led by its Executive Director, Catherine Russell, paid a courtesy visit to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House, Abuja.

Russell praised the Tinubu administration for securing the release of the victims and acknowledged the First Lady’s commitment to advancing the welfare of women and children through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

“I think investing in women and children is an investment into the future of the nation,” Russell said.

She added: “UNICEF is glad to stay part of the time, helping as much as possible. We thank the leadership for rescuing children in conflict.”

“What I see in my travels around the world is that conflict is one of the most difficult situations for children. Whether it is displacement, conflict, violence, abductions, whatever it is, children need to be protected in these situations,” she said.

Russell also commended the First Lady for supporting Nigeria’s birth registration campaign, which she said had resulted in the registration of about 14 million children within two years.

Responding, the First Lady expressed delight over the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, thanking UNICEF for its continued support and partnership with Nigeria.

“We are used to UNICEF coming to partner with our office in the way of advocacy because we know we have ministries and the work of the First Lady is for complementary and support,” she said.