FACTBECKIE BLOG: NGO AWARDS CHILD-FRIENDLY BRANDS

The child is the most vulnerable human being in the world. In most African countries, children don’t get all the help they need to grow and develop the way they should.

Unfortunately, Nigeria isn’t an exception.

Children need love and assurance of Safety. They need an inclusive society where they can participate especially in matters affecting them.

This was one of the concerns expressed on Sunday by the organisers of the Nigerian Child Friendly Awards (NCFA). NCFA is an offspring of a Non-Governmental Organisation called the Nigerian Child Safety Report Initiative.

Patron, Nigerian Child Friendly Awards (NCFA), Mrs. Annette Adeoba said the award ceremony was initiated to recognize, encourage and reward individuals, corporate organisations/institutions as well as the media for their roles in Child Support and Development in the Nigerian Society.

Patron, NCFA & Former Special Adviser to Former Governor of Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu - Mrs. Annette Adeoba

Guest Speaker- Deputy Provost, Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos – Mr. Jide Johnson while speaking on ‘The Role of Media in Promoting Child Development’ remarked that as agents of change, the various forms of the media should intensify their efforts in the areas of awareness of the rights of children as well as indepth and unbiased coverage plus analysis of issues relating to children for the promotion of child development.

Deputy Provost, NIJ - Mr. Jide Johnson

Chief Host of the event – Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode represented by the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Yusuf while commending the efforts of the organisers reiterated the present administration’s determination in protecting the rights of every child in the state.

Lagos State Governor’s Representative - Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Yusuf

The nomination exercise was conducted in five centres across some chosen states of the Federation and the collated nomination list was approved by the Nigerian Children Parliament (of NCSRI).

Chairman, Jury, NCFA - Miss Jessica Ituan

As part of this year’s celebration of the award, the NCFA Team paid courtesy visit to corporate organisations and media firms for support and partnership.

From Left to Right: Patron, NCFC, Mrs. Annette Adeoba, Lagos State Governor’s Representative - Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Yusuf

Nollywood Actress – Grace Amah

The event climaxed with donations and support from sponsors (individuals and corporate organisations). The proceeds will be used for the execution of the Potable Safe Water Project; where every family in rural communities will have access to clean safe drinking water.

Some of the recipients of the awards are Lagos State Government, KLM Airline, Dana Airline, Bobo Foods and Beverages, BIC, Berger Paints, The Nation, Encomium, City FM, Mr. Jide Johnson amongst others.