Nigeria rated second most vulnerable country worldwide in terms of Children’s exposure to climate change
The UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate has described children’s input in climate change as essential in shaping UNICEF’s collective path towards a sustainable and resilient future.
At the launching of Climate Landscape Analysis for Children, which displayed virtually Nation wide from Abuja in commemoration of the World Children’s Day 2023, Mrs Munduate said Nigeria rated as the second most vulnerable country worldwide in terms of Children’s exposure to climate change that faces challenges with over 110 million Nigerian children are at risk of having confronted the harsh realities of rising temperatures, flooding, drought and severe storms.
The UNICEF representative in Nigeria, said World Children’s Day celebration is a crucial platform for children who are most affected by climate change to voice their concerns and experiences.
On his part, Dr Salisu Dahiru, the Director General National Council on climate change, said as one of the countries that suffers the greatest exposure to adverse climate impacts, Nigeria must be swift and holistic, accounting for the needs of vulnerable people, including children and Women to support the implementation of the National climate change Action Plan.
The virtual launching of climate Landscape Analysis for Children’s discussion covered various critical issues, including the direct health impacts of climate change on children, such as increased physical dangers, waterborn diseases and malnutrition.
The celebration also highlighted on the alarming rate of child displacement due to environmental disaster, with 650,000 children displaced from 2016 to 2021 as a result of floods.
Children were conveyed to Abuja for leading discussion on the significant impact of climate change on their lives and futures are drawn from Kano, Lagos, Enugu, Sokoto, Maiduguri and FCT with aims of protecting child right and climate change awareness.
In addition to virtual event showcased in Evolution Hall, Gombe, UNICEF Field Office Bauchi, organized Inter Schools Quiz competition on climate change between the Government Girls Mega College Doma, Government Day Senior Secondary School Gandu and Government Day Senior Science Secondary School II Gombe, were Government Girls Senior Secondary School Doma emerged winner of the quiz with 21 marks against GDSS Gandu with 20 point and GDSSS II Gombe with 18 points.
The virtual launching of Climate Landscape Analysis for Children, was witnessed by presence of Gombe State Commissioner Ministry of Education professor A’ishatu Umar Maigari, Gombe State ACReSAL project Coordinator Ambassador Sale Adamu Jauro, Office In- charge/ Chief of Field Office UNICEF Nigeria Bauchi Field Office Dr Clement Adams, Children, Journalists and other dignitaries aims of combating climate change effect in the society.
