By Fatima Saka
The Fatherless and Motherless Children Aid Organisation (FACADO), in collaboration with the Cosmopolitan Club of the Business and Professional Women (BPW) Nigeria, has called for universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for children across Africa, stressing that millions remain deprived of this basic right.
The call was made on Monday in Abuja during the 2026 commemoration of the International Day of the African Child, marked annually on June 16, with the theme: “Ensuring universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for every child in Africa.”
Speaking at the event, the Founder of FACADO, Amb. Anih Ngozi Grace George, highlighted the urgent need to address systemic barriers preventing children, especially orphans and vulnerable groups, from accessing basic education and essential services.
She lamented that despite policies declaring education a fundamental right, many Nigerian children are still out of school due to minor financial constraints such as PTA levies.
“Education is supposed to be the right of every child, but it is not fully accessible in Nigeria. We have seen children drop out of school because of small fees. This shows that education is not truly free,” she said.
George also stressed that access to clean water, healthcare, and education are interconnected rights that must be guaranteed for every child to thrive.
She called on government authorities to implement policies that ensure free and inclusive education, particularly for orphans and vulnerable children, noting that many have been forced to stay out of school for years due to poverty.
Reflecting on the significance of June 16, George recounted the historic 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa, where thousands of black school children protested against discriminatory education policies under apartheid.
She said the courage of the children, despite facing violence, remains a symbol of the power of young people to drive change.
“The story of Soweto teaches us that children can be agents of change. When they are guided and empowered, they can transform their communities and even influence national policies,” she added.
In her keynote address, Dr. Comfort Alegieuno, representing the BPW Cosmopolitan Club Abuja, emphasized the importance of collaboration between organizations and government in ensuring access to safe and clean water for children.
She noted that while children depend on adults for access to water, stakeholders must prioritize sustainable solutions such as borehole projects and partnerships with water boards to guarantee clean water supply.
“It is not just about providing water, but ensuring it is safe and clean for children’s health and hygiene. Access to good water is critical for their development and overall wellbeing,” she said.
Alegieuno added that BPW Nigeria continues to work with schools, communities, and partner organizations to improve the lives of children through targeted interventions.
The event also featured educational sessions highlighting the role of children as change agents, encouraging them to adopt positive habits and contribute to the development of their communities. The event was clamour with a lot of lively activities.
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The experts reiterated that achieving universal WASH access is essential for safeguarding children’s health, dignity, and future, urging governments and stakeholders across Africa to intensify efforts toward this goal.
The International Day of the African Child is commemorated annually to honour the memory of the Soweto children and to advocate for the rights and welfare of children across the continent.
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