UNICEF / RUSSELL NIGERIA VISIT

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell completed a mission to Nigeria on July 17, underscoring the potential of the country’s children and the need for sustained investment to protect recent gains amid growing global and regional economic pressures. UNICEF

• Video Length: 00:02:56
• Production Date: 20 July 2026
• Asset Language: English
• Personal Subject: CATHERINE M. RUSSELL
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN'S FUND - UNICEF
• Subject Topical: STATE AND OFFICIAL VISITS
• Geographic Subject: NIGERIA
• MAMS Id: 3610159
• Parent Id: 3610159
• Alternate Title: unifeed260720f

Description

STORY: UNICEF / RUSSELL NIGERIA VISIT
TRT: 02:57
SOURCE: UNICEF
RESTRICTIONS: PLEASE CREDIT UNICEF ON SCREEN
LANGUAGES: NATS

DATELINE: 16-17 JULY 2026, SOKOTO, NIGERIA

Shotlist

1. Wide shot, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell speaking with staff at Digital Village project in Sokoto State
The Digital Village is part of UNICEF's support to expand opportunities for children and young people, including Almajiri children (young boys sent far from their homes and families to study under traditional Qur'anic teachers) and out-of-school adolescent girls.
2. Wide shot, UNICEF Executive Director listening to presentation at Digital Village project in Sokoto State
3. Wide shot, Digital Village staff giving presentation
4. Wide shot, programme participant showing projects
5. Wide shot, UNICEF Executive Director asking question to staff
6. Wide shot, programme participant giving presentation
7. Wide shot, UNICEF Executive Director asking question to staff
8. Wide shot, programme participant giving presentation
9. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell speaks with a participant of the Digital Village project in Sokoto State
10. Wide shot, exterior of Digital Village project in Sokoto State
11. Wide shot, interior with programme participants of Digital Village project in Sokoto State
12. Wide shot, programme participant giving presentation
13. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director listening to presentation at Digital Village project in Sokoto State
14. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell interacts with staff at Rumbukawa Primary Health Centre in Sokoto State
15. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director meeting families at Rumbukawa Primary Health Centre in Sokoto State
16. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director interacts with staff at Rumbukawa Primary Health Centre in Sokoto State
17. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director interacting with families
18. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director interacting with families
19. Med shot, families speaking with UNICEF Executive Director
20. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director interacts with healthcare workers at Rumbukawa Primary Health Centre

Storyline

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell completed a mission to Nigeria on July 17, underscoring the potential of the country’s children and the need for sustained investment to protect recent gains amid growing global and regional economic pressures.

With nearly 105 million children and adolescents, representing about half of the population, Nigeria has one of the world’s greatest opportunities to turn a young generation into a powerful engine of human capital, innovation and resilience. As rising prices strain vulnerable households, investing in children is more urgent than ever.

“Everywhere I went in Nigeria, I saw the strength, ambition and potential of children and young people despite continued challenges,” said UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell. “There is no denying that many children face challenges, but I am encouraged to see the Government-led response to provide critical services for children. In Sokoto, I met mothers at a UNICEF-supported health care center where children were being treated for malnutrition, helping them survive. I also met girls and boys who are getting a second chance in education through digital learning.”

Progress has been achieved in areas such as birth registration, social protection and school enrolment. These gains show what is possible when children are prioritized, but much more is needed to ensure that every child benefits.

Global economic pressures, including the impact of the Middle East crisis, funding constraints and other shocks, are creating new challenges to sustaining hard-won gains for children. In addition, in some communities, children and families face insecurity, displacement and climate-related shocks.

Continued efforts are underway to strengthen health, nutrition, education, safe water and protection services. Investment and partnership are essential to ensure vulnerable children are not left behind.

“The first years of a child’s life are a critical window for a child,” Russell said. “Good nutrition, healthcare, early learning, and protection help children develop to their full potential, building the foundation for stronger communities and a prosperous economy.”

The Executive Director welcomed the commitment of government counterparts at federal and state levels and stressed UNICEF’s continued commitment to work with all partners including the private sector to help expand opportunities for every child.

“Nigeria’s future will be shaped by the choices made for children today,” said Russell. “Nigeria can be a positive example for shaping new models for investment in services and economic growth that benefits all children. UNICEF is committed to support the country on this quest.”