NFF To Partner UNICEF On Polio Eradication, Girl-Child Protection Campaigns

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have initiated discussions that will lead to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding a broad range of campaigns aimed at improving the lives of the girl-child.

Dr Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of the NFF, announced this on Wednesday while welcoming a UNICEF team, led by Lone Hvass, Chief of Communication, Advocacy and Partnership, to the NFF Secretariat. He said both organisations have agreed to explore various avenues for collaboration to benefit the girl-child, including polio eradication and discouraging child molestation.

Ms Hvass stated: “Our objective is to engage a couple of Super Falcons players to speak out about polio, raise awareness, and address other key issues affecting children. We have had successful collaborations in the past with great Nigerian ambassadors (football stars), and we believe role models from sport are extremely powerful for these campaigns. Families and even the children pay attention when trusted, well-known figures speak on these issues.”

Dr Sanusi, for his part, expressed appreciation for UNICEF Nigeria’s objective of child development, stating it is a topic about which the current NFF leadership is very passionate. “Polio has had a devastating impact on children in Africa, including Nigeria. Any effort to protect children from polio and other related diseases is welcome, and you have our full support in this initiative.

“Football is an exceptionally powerful tool to drive positive campaigns, and we will explore various pathways for enlightenment as soon as we have a memorandum of understanding and the full scope of the areas in which we are collaborating. We can equally get some players from our U20 and U17 girls’ national teams involved in these noble campaigns,” Dr Sanusi added.

Also present at the occasion were Susan Akila (Communication Specialist, UNICEF Nigeria) and Mr Samuel Kaalu (Communication Specialist, UNICEF Kano Field Office), along with NFF officials Dr Ademola Olajire (Director of Media & Communications), Ruth David (Director of Competitions), Rajan Zaka (Director of Finance & Admin), Alizor Chuks (Director of Marketing & Sponsorships), and Enebi Achor (Head of International Competitions).