 has appointed Zephia Ovia-Ikem as a NextGen Champion to promote children’s rights...){kind=link}
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has appointed Zephia Ovia-Ikem as a NextGen Champion to promote children’s rights and development in Nigeria.
In a statement, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, said Ovia-Ikem would join a global network of innovators, philanthropists, and business leaders advancing the welfare of children and young people.
“I am proud to welcome Zephia Ovia-Ikem as UNICEF NextGen Champion, joining a global network committed to accelerating progress for children and young people in Nigeria,” Saeed stated.
She noted that Ovia-Ikem, a tech and social entrepreneur, has supported UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) initiative since its inception.
As a NextGen Champion, she will mobilize business leaders, leverage her network to raise awareness, and generate resources to enhance UNICEF’s programmes across the country.
In her response, Zephia Ovia-Ikem described children and youth as Nigeria’s greatest assets, stressing the need to invest in their growth and empowerment.
She said; “I am passionate about working with UNICEF to mobilize resources and commitments to ensure every child and youth in Nigeria can thrive and access sustainable opportunities.”
UNICEF NextGen is a global community of emerging leaders dedicated to supporting initiatives in education, health, climate resilience, and digital innovation.
The network has mobilsed resources for emergency responses and long-term investments that amplify children’s voices globally.
Mercy Chukwudiebere