In a significant move to advance child rights advocacy and education in Nigeria, a strategic partnership has been formed between the United States Institute for Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR) and Operation Save Nigerian Children, a grassroots advocacy group. The collaboration will culminate in a landmark Child Rights Summit targeting the Niger Delta region, with the goal of driving awareness, innovation, and stakeholder engagement around child education and welfare.
According to a formal letter dated May 2, 2025, and signed by USIDHR Nigeria Country Director, Ambassador Ibrahim Abubakar Sani, the summit is designed to “celebrate excellence and innovation in child education and rights advocacy.” A copy of the letter, addressed to Comrade Ighorhwunu Aghogho, Convener of Operation Save Nigerian Children, was made available to journalists on Monday in Warri, Delta State.
The summit is expected to serve as a critical platform for dialogue and action among key stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, civil society organizations, international partners, and youth-led initiatives. While an official date for the summit has not yet been announced, preparations are already in motion to ensure its success.
Ambassador Sani emphasized that the planned event would go beyond discussions, focusing on practical solutions to address systemic barriers to education, such as inequality, child neglect, and lack of access to quality learning environments.
“This summit will raise awareness on the importance of inclusive, equitable education for all children,” the letter noted. “It will also strengthen support for Education for Every Child and amplify the Let Her Lead initiative in Nigeria,” he added, referencing USIDHR’s flagship campaign to empower girls through education and leadership training.
Operation Save Nigerian Children, founded with the mission to defend the rights of vulnerable children and advocate for education reform in marginalized communities, expressed appreciation for the international recognition and partnership. Comrade Aghogho described the alliance with USIDHR as a bold step toward lasting change.
“This is a major milestone for child rights advocacy in the Niger Delta,” he said. “Our children are often overlooked, but with this summit and the global support we’re receiving, we are taking a stand for every child’s right to education and protection.”
The organizers stressed the importance of cross-sectoral engagement, urging local and international bodies to support the summit through funding, expertise, and policy alignment. Stakeholders in the Niger Delta have also been encouraged to participate fully, as the summit will tackle region-specific challenges such as child labor, out-of-school rates, and gender-based educational disparities.
According to data from UNICEF, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children globally—estimated at over 10 million. The Niger Delta, despite its vast natural resources, remains one of the regions most affected by educational underdevelopment due to infrastructural decay, conflict, and poverty. Organizers believe that the upcoming summit could be pivotal in addressing these concerns, particularly through international collaboration and grassroots mobilization.
The event will also feature workshops, expert panels, youth showcases, and the presentation of awards to individuals and institutions driving innovation in child rights advocacy.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
As momentum builds for the summit, hopes are high that it will inspire a wave of reforms and commitments that will leave a lasting legacy for the children of the Niger Delta and beyond.