Nigeria’s Future at Risk? New Coalition Says 90% of Brain Growth Happens Before Age Five and We’re Falling Behind
The launch of the “Naija Made Early: Entertainers for Nigerian Children” coalition by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), in partnership with the World Bank and Ogidi Studios, is more than a creative industry initiative. It is a powerful statement that every Nigerian child has a right to develop to their full potential.
Child rights are not limited to survival and protection. They include the right to holistic development, especially in the first five years of life when 90 per cent of brain growth occurs. The fact that fewer than half of Nigerian children aged three to four meet basic developmental milestones is a clear warning. It means millions of children are being denied the foundation they need to learn, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to society.
By engaging Nollywood, musicians, and policymakers, this coalition recognises that development is shaped not only in classrooms or clinics but also in homes and through culture.
When storytelling promotes play-based learning, good nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, and shared parenting, it reinforces behaviours that strengthen children’s cognitive and emotional growth. This is how a nation protects a child’s right to development in practical terms.
However, the promise of this coalition will depend on proper implementation. Creative messaging must be backed by real investment in early childhood education, healthcare, and community-level support systems. Monitoring, accountability, and inclusion of marginalised communities are essential. If executed well, this initiative could shift norms, close developmental gaps, and ensure that Nigeria’s children are not just born, but given a fair chance to flourish.
