Abuja: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria has announced the appointment of Ms. Wafaa Abdelatef as its new Country Representative. This significant development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by UNICEF Communication Officer, Anike Alli-Hakeem.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abdelatef brings over 20 years of service in international humanitarian and development work to her new role. She is poised to contribute to Nigeria's efforts to improve the lives of children and communities across the country. Prior to this appointment, Abdelatef served as UNICEF Representative in Somalia, making notable progress in promoting children's rights and well-being in a challenging humanitarian landscape.
Her career is marked by senior roles within the United Nations, with significant contributions to UNICEF, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the World Food Programme (WFP). Abdelatef has worked in countries including Sudan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Syria, and Ethiopia, focusing on both humanitarian and development initiatives.
Additionally, she has held leadership positions at the global level with OCHA in New York and Geneva. Her professional journey began in Sudan, where she worked with the private sector, academia, and non-governmental organisations on projects related to displaced populations and environmental conservation.
Abdelatef's academic credentials include a Master of Architecture from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, a Master of Science in Physical Planning from the University of Khartoum, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. In her previous role in Somalia, she demonstrated leadership in advancing UNICEF's mission amid humanitarian challenges, with expertise spanning programme management, coordination, and strategic planning.
UNICEF believes that Abdelatef's experience and dedication will support Nigeria's progress in achieving the rights and well-being of every child.