Youth voices - Listen to the future
Young people advocate for children's rights on World Children's Day
Hi, I’m Somto, and I’m all about fighting for children’s rights because I believe they are key to making a better future for everyone. Children are our future, but they need our help right now to grow up strong, happy, and treated with respect.
Children are the future, no doubt. Children’s rights are not just rules or laws – they are what make sure every child can grow up in a safe, healthy, and happy environment. If a child has access to education, good health, and is treated with respect, they can become the best version of themselves.
When we protect children’s rights, we are building a better society. If we invest in children now, we’re giving the whole society the chance to thrive later. Every child deserves the chance to succeed and be something great. And that’s why I do what I do – to make sure they can shine, no matter where they come from.
For me, talking about children’s rights is not enough – action speaks louder. I focus on projects that raise awareness of children’s struggles and fight for their right to education, health, and safety. It’s not just about talking; it’s about creating opportunities for children to feel seen and heard. I want them to know that their voice matters, and that they can make a difference.
I also believe in making change happen on the ground. By organizing events, supporting other advocacy programs, and spreading the word about children’s rights, I try to inspire others to understand why this is so important. It’s about changing mindsets and making sure that people know that when children have their rights protected, they are more likely to grow up strong and ready to take on the world.
Sometimes, we adults feel like we know it all and think children don’t understand much. But that’s not true. Children are going through the same issues we face, sometimes even more. They know the struggles they go through in school, at home, and in their communities. Their thoughts and feelings are just as important as ours.
Listening to children is about respecting them. When we listen to them, we build a future that considers their needs and dreams. It’s about creating a world where everyone can thrive, starting with the younger ones. If we want a better tomorrow, we must start by paying attention to the voices of today’s children.
Children’s rights are not just something for adults to talk about – it’s something we all have a part in. Every time we stand up for children, every time we make their voices heard, we are taking a step towards a better society. That’s why I continue to push for children’s rights and why I’ll keep fighting to make sure every child gets the chance to grow, learn, and live without fear.
If we take time hear di children, we go fit support dem wella!
Hello!
I'm Isioma Opute, a 21-year-old girl from Abbi, Delta State, Nigeria.
As a child I loved reading novels and would often stay awake all night to finish them. I feared the dark like most kids but one thing that frightened me more was the rate of violence against children in Nigeria. Cases of sexual abuse, physical violence, or even verbal abuse were not uncommon, and even kids as young as two years old were not spared. This reality scared me a lot and left me constantly on edge.
While I came from a loving family that protected me, I was uncertain about other people. Due to this uncertainty, whenever I was sent on errands, I would panic and run, believing speed would be my best defense. Although I was never a victim of child-violence, I never really felt safe growing up. This made me realize that a safe environment for children is more than just physical safety; it's also a mental feeling of safety that enables children to be their best versions.
As a UNICEF young influencer, I dedicate myself to speaking up for children's rights and volunteering with organizations focused on child protection to raise awareness about children's rights and ensure they are protected. I do this because I believe that upholding children's rights provides a standard that makes them feel safe and protected.
My role with the organizations I work with includes writing social media posts to educate children and the public on children's rights. I also use my personal social media platforms to highlight these issues. As I advocate for children's rights, I hope to play a role in building a world where children are not only physically safe but also feel protected, empowered, and free to dream without fear.
Isioma Opute
UNICEF Nigeria Young Influencer
My name is Ismail Hassan, a UNICEF Nigeria young influencer. I promote children's rights on Climate Action and Justice by educating people about the ways that environmental issues such as climate change impact children's safety, health, and prospects for the future. I use social media and community outreach to engage others in discussions about building a healthier, more sustainable environment for children.
I believe that every child's dignity and well-being is protected by their rights, which gives them access to safe surroundings, high-quality healthcare, and education. This enables children to grow, thrive, and contribute positively to society.
Adults should value children’s voices because they bring fresh perspectives and firsthand insights on issues impacting their lives. Listening to children not only empowers them but also leads to better, more inclusive solutions for the challenges we all face.
Ismail Hassan
UNICEF Nigeria Young Influencer
Children have the same general human rights as adults and these child rights are very specific that recognize their special needs. Failing to care for the children is at the cost of a nation's future. A child's earliest experience in life significantly influences their future development. How they were brought up and their childhood development determines their contribution, or cost, to society over the course of their lives either for progress or for destruction.
I advocate for children's rights by ensuring I understand what child’s rights are. This makes my advocacy more effective – for example, knowing your state’s education laws and the school’s policies, or any additional support a child is entitled to. I can’t talk about or defend what I don't know.
It is very important that adults listen to children because it makes them feel valued and builds their confidence. The goal is not to try and fix the situation or change their feelings but to make them feel understood, adults are meant to be a safe haven for children.
Oluwakeji Onabajo
UNICEF Nigeria Young Influencer
Children's rights are very important to me because they form the foundation for a child's journey into adulthood. Every child deserves access to education, good health, social security, and the right to information. Nurturing a child's development within a supportive environment allows them to be heard and allows them to thrive.
As a young influencer, I believe every child should have equal rights and feel valued. It's essential for parents and elders to actively listen to their children, fostering an environment where they can express themselves and feel respected. Ultimately, recognizing, and upholding children's rights is crucial for building a brighter future for everyone.
As a young influencer, I work to ensure that children have the right to access information, particularly regarding reproductive health. I encourage young girls to embrace their bodies and appreciate their journey through their reproductive years. This includes providing education on menstrual health and hygiene, helping them to thrive confidently during their monthly cycle.
Children should be listened to because it helps them feel valued and important. Listening to children helps them overcome doubt and trust their parents or caregivers for information. When adults listen, it encourages children to express themselves and seek guidance when they face troubles or problems, knowing that there is someone ready to listen and provide support.
Boluwatife Ogundoro
UNICEF Nigeria Young Influencer
