Lagos — Super Eagles captain and UNICEF goodwill ambassador, Nwankwo Kanu joined Nigerian children to celebrate the Day of the African Child last Thursday.

The Portsmouth star also helped to mark the end of the first phase of "Project Excel" (Funded by FIFA Football for Hope & UNICEF) on Yidi Playing Ground, Agege, Lagos.

The programme is a joint effort of FIFA's Football for Hope, Search and Groom and UNICEF to celebrate children and give them the opportunity to showcase their talents and knowledge of Child rights.

The theme of the programme was "Right to participate, Let the Children be heard".

Yomi Kuku, Search and Groom's Executive Director, expressed his joy to Kanu for been a part of the celebration to inspire the kids.

He also appreciated his commitment to youth development by attending the event despite his tight schedule'

The Eagles captain expressed his appreciation and gladness after he performed the kick-off and was presented with artworks done by kids from Ajegunle.

Kanu went down memory lane to recall his days as a kid and advised the children to be hardworking and committed to their dreams while emphasising that honesty, hard work and steadfastness made him what he is today.

Mrs. Ngozi Ekwerike of Child to Child Network also spoke about the state of street children and admonished parents to be responsible to their children by guiding them against violence and abuse.

Responding, UNICEF's Mr. Geofrey Njoku said Fund is proud to be associated with Search and Groom and implored public and corporate organizations to support Search and Groom in their Youth Development programmes.

The programme showcased children from various communities in Ajegunle, Abesan, Agege, Ikorodu, performing various cultural Dance, Drama and Arts. Football matches were also played between teams from Agege, Ikeja, Abesan, Ajegunle, Ikorodu, Child to Child Network, Otan-Ayegbaju, in Osun State and Child Life Line.