NFF to partner UNICEF on polio eradication and girl-child protection campaigns

The Nigeria Football Federation and the United Nations Children’s Fund have commenced talks that will lead to a Memorandum of Understanding on partnership regarding a wide range of campaigns aimed at making life better for the girl-child.

General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, on Wednesday welcomed a team from UNICEF, led by the Chief of Communication, Advocacy and Partnership, Lone Hvass to the NFF Secretariat, with both institutions exploring several ways to collaborate for the good of the girl-child, including areas of polio eradication and discouragement of child molestation.

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

On his part, Dr Sanusi appreciated UNICEF Nigeria’s objective, which is child-development, saying it is a topic about which the present NFF leadership is very passionate. “Polio has had a devastating impact on children in Africa, Nigeria inclusive. 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 rung of the areas in which we are collaborating. We can equally get some players of our U20 and U17 girls national teams involved in these noble campaigns,” Dr Sanusi added.

At the occasion as well were Susan Akila (Communication Specialist, UNICEF Nigeria) and Mr. Samuel Kaalu (Communication Specialist, UNICEF Kano Field Office), and 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).

PHOTO: Dr Sanusi (fourth from left), with Hvass (fifth from left), Akila (fifth from right), Kaalu (third from right), Olajire (second from left), David (fourth from right), Zaka (third from left), Chuks (second from right), Ali Abubakar (Director of Member Associations & Special Duties, middle), Achor (left) and Hauwa (deputy head of women’s football, right).