The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has used the children’s day celebration to in Nigeria to appoint the internationally acclaimed, award-winning Nigerian musician, producer and songwriter physically challenged Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo as a National Ambassador.
The appointment makes this celebrated artist UNICEF Nigeria’s first National Ambassador in 15 years.
In a released report to the press, , the UNICEF Nigeria Representative Peter Hawkins expressed his delight in welcoming Cobhams to the UNICEF family, adding that the appointment comes timely particularly on Nigerian Children’s Day – a day that is dedicated to every Nigerian child, to give Nigerian children a better place to survive, thrive and develop.
“Cobhams has already supported UNICEF to raise children’s and youth issues. I am sure that he will use his singing, his passion, and dedication to continue to defend the rights of vulnerable children and young people in Nigeria.” Said Hawkins
Appreciating the ambassadorial role, Cobhams thanked UNICEF for its gesture and said “It’s a huge honour to become a UNICEF Nigeria Ambassador,” said Cobhams. “I am passionate about children’s rights, and I am passionate about Nigeria – and securing it’s future. The only way we can truly do that, is through ensuring every child can fulfill their potential.”
He added that, “I am thrilled to join the very impressive list of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors around the world supporting the protection and promotion of children’s rights globally and look forward to making my contribution to the improvement of the lives of Nigerian children and young people.”
Defying his physically challenged state, Cobhams Asuquo studied and became a lawyer but would rather use his unique voice for singing and he is a well-known singer and musician who shot to fame when he produced the debut album of Nigerian soul sensation Asa, including the hit singles, “Fire on the Mountain” and “Jailer”.
Cobhams has supported UNICEF Nigeria’s work since 2019, including through producing the hits I’m a Nigeria Child (For Every Child) calling for every Nigerian child’s rights to be respected and protected, and We go Win (Corona), to raise awareness on how Nigerians can protect themselves from COVID-19.
In 2015, Cobhams produced a song Tell Everybody, to raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, as part of the UN Global Goals campaign.
As UNICEF National Ambassador, he will help raise awareness of children’s rights concerns and solutions, including around issues such as birth registration, immunization, education, and protection from violence.
Every 27 th May is a day set aside to celebrates the importance of children in Nigeria, providing the opportunity to policymakers and families to focus on the holistic development of young Nigerians.
