On Friday, July 17, 2026, Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, visited northwestern Nigeria's Sokoto state amid escalating conflict, poverty, and food insecurity that threaten millions of children in the region. During her visit, she met with state officials and toured UNICEF-supported programs focused on improving the health of mothers and children and protecting vulnerable youngsters.

Russell stressed the importance of safeguarding children in conflict zones, stating, "We have to make sure that children are protected in these conflicts. That their healthcare is protected, that their food is protected, that their education is protected. Children can't waste years of their life because conflicts are going on."

UNICEF reports that between 18.3 million and 23.4 million additional children in monetarily poor households worldwide have fallen into deeper poverty, with 6.5 million to 8.8 million of these children in Africa.

Among those benefiting from UNICEF initiatives is 19-year-old Zainab Bello, who had been out of school before joining the agency's "Digital Village" program. She shared, "I was taught digital literacy... how to use a digital tool," and added, "I also learned how I can promote my vocational skills on various social media platforms."

Russell's visit underscores the urgent need for continued humanitarian support to protect children's rights and well-being in Nigeria's crisis-affected areas.

Sources