UNICEF Nigeria has appointed four celebrities of the music and film industries as its “Champions”.
They are: Cobhams Asuquo (music producer), Aituaje Iruobe, popularly known as Waje (musician and film actors) Kate Henshaw and Ali Nuhu (popular actors).
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate, who announced the appointment of the Champions yesterday in Lagos, said the celebrities would serve as powerful voices amplifying issues around child rights for 12 months.
According to her, in the course of the next one year, the champions will work together with UNICEF to elevate pressing issues on children, spanning various sectors, such as health, education, nutrition, child protection, water sanitation, and hygiene.
“Through music, film, and public engagements, we hope to touch hearts, shift perspectives, and inspire action.
“This collaboration symbolises a bridge between the commitment to child rights and the power of art and storytelling.
“We are truly elated to join hands with such influential voices in the entertainment industry – Cobhams, Waje, Henshaw, and Nuhu. Their dedication and passion for children’s rights will undeniably amplify the urgency of the issues we fight for daily,” Munduate said.
As UNICEF champions, Cobhams, Waje, Kate Henshaw, and Ali Nuhu will engage in numerous initiatives and campaigns designed to ensure that every child’s right to survival, growth, development, and protection is upheld and championed.
The celebrities called for a change of mindset, urging the government to create a favourable environment for children to thrive.
Henshaw said: “A lot of the mindset needs to be changed. It helps to have people like Waje, Ali, Cobhams and I, who have integrity, and can also help drive the changes that UNICEF is calling for in our country that would make our society a better place to live in.”
In his remarks, Cobhams said: “Everyone is a champion and needs to have a sense of responsibility. You have a responsibility to pass on the torch.”
