UNICEF Appoints Zephia Ovia-Ikem as NextGen Champion for Nigeria
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Oct 23, 2025 06:54
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UNICEF Appoints Zephia Ovia-Ikem as NextGen Champion for Nigeria
By Johnson Arua
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced the appointment of tech and social entrepreneur, Zephia Ovia-Ikem, as a UNICEF NextGen Champion, joining a global network of young leaders committed to advancing children’s rights and wellbeing.
In a statement, the UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, said the appointment underscores UNICEF’s commitment to harnessing innovation, partnerships, and private sector engagement to accelerate progress for children and young people across the country.
“I am proud to welcome Zephia Ovia-Ikem as UNICEF NextGen Champion, joining a global network of investors, philanthropists, and private sector leaders dedicated to advancing children’s rights and creating opportunities for young people in Nigeria,” Saeed stated.h
UNICEF’s NextGen initiative brings together emerging leaders from around the world who leverage their resources, expertise, and networks to drive impact in education, health, climate resilience, and digital innovation. Members of the community have supported emergency responses, long-term education programs, and initiatives amplifying children’s voices on global platforms.
Ovia-Ikem, a long-time supporter of UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) initiative, will work closely with UNICEF to mobilize business leaders, raise awareness, and generate resources for programs benefiting children and youths across Nigeria.
“Children and youths in Nigeria represent our greatest asset and brightest future,” Ovia-Ikem said. “I am passionate about working with UNICEF to mobilize the resources, networks, and commitment needed to ensure every child and youth in Nigeria can thrive and have access to sustainable economic opportunities.”
UNICEF continues to promote the rights and wellbeing of every child in over 190 countries and territories, with special focus on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded.
