UNICEF announces new NextGen Champion in Nigeria

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF has appointed Zephia Ovia-Ikem as its NextGen Champion in Nigeria.

BizPoint reports that UNICEF NextGen is a worldwide community of emerging leaders who utilize their resources, expertise, and networks to drive solutions for children, supporting initiatives in education, health, climate resilience, and digital innovation.

UNICEF NextGen members worldwide have mobilized resources for emergency responses, advanced long-term investments in education and innovation, and amplified children’s voices on global platforms.

In a statement by Blessing Ejiofor, the UNICEF’s Communication Officer in Nigeria, Ovia-Ikem would join a global network of investors, philanthropists, and private sector leaders committed to advancing children’s rights and accelerating progress for children and young people in Nigeria.

Ejiofor disclosed in the statement that a Ovia-Ikem, a Tech and Social Entrepreneur and advocate for youth empowerment, has supported UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) initiative since its inception.

As NextGen Champion, Zephia would rally business leaders around children and young people’s rights and needs and utilize her networks and platforms to create awareness and mobilize resources to help accelerate progress for UNICEF’s work across Nigeria.

“I am proud to welcome Zephia Ovia-Ikem as UNICEF NextGen Champion, joining a global network of investors, philanthropists, and private sector leaders committed to advancing children’s rights and accelerating progress for children and young people in Nigeria,” the statement reads in part.

“Children and youths in Nigeria represent our greatest asset and brightest future,” Zephia Ovia-Ikem was quoted in the statement.

“I am passionate to work alongside UNICEF to mobilize resources, networks and commitment needed to ensure that every child and youth in Nigeria can thrive and have access to sustainable pathways for better economic opportunities.”