For the Nigerian child, 2021 began with a myriad of uncertainties as the well-being and health of the entire globe had been threatened by the Coronavirus pandemic.

From going into a full lockdown to adapting to innovative measures to get the support and care they need, children in Nigeria did have their hands full in 2020. All of these speak to why the 2021 edition of the Children’s Day celebration is a remarkable one.

The celebration presents an opportunity to reflect and explore improved ways to execute the role of caring for children in Nigeria including those who have lost or are on the verge of losing parental care. The volatility of the global economy has continued to show the urgency for care and protection services and why all stakeholders should join hands in solidarity to strengthen vulnerable families to improve childcare.

For SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Children’s Day reiterates the need to constantly find the best ways to maximise impact, build on our successes and leverage lessons learned from almost five decades of developing each child to self-attainment in Nigeria.

Our Alternative Care and Family Strengthening programmes are being reinforced to withstand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and write a new chapter in the history of the development of the Nigerian Child.

We will continue to explore new ways to remain efficient and effective in a world where social, environmental and political changes are highlighting the urgent need to apply dynamic methods to childcare and protection.

Let us all brace up for a new Nigeria where we will all need to catch up and lean into the patterns that our children are creating for the future as the Nigerian Child must be supported to optimize the reality of a tech-driven world towards becoming the new super creatives

It is our earnest expectation that through our work, our hearts and that of stakeholders and partners are synchronized towards creating a loving home for every child.

Happy Children’s Day!

Eghosa Erhumwunse

National Director