The Taraba Human Rights International Film Festival (TAHRIFF), in partnership with We Africa Create, has unveiled two young writers and child advocates, Grace Zaman and Dominic T. Naomi, as ambassadors for the 2026 Children’s Rights Edition of the festival.

The special edition, themed “Global Conflicts and the Right of a Creative Child in a Digital Universe,” will focus on the rights, creativity and future prospects of children, particularly those growing up in environments affected by conflict, poverty, discrimination and limited access to education and technology.

The initiative, as gathered by The Guardian, is anchored on the message, “Every Child Has a Right to Dream, Create and Thrive.”

According to the organisers, the selection of Zaman and Naomi is intended to highlight the experiences and aspirations of millions of African children whose talents and opportunities are often affected by circumstances beyond their control.

Grace Zaman: Giving Voice to Children in Conflict-Affected Communities
Zaman, a young author, poet and youth leader from Chibok, Borno state, is expected to use her platform as an ambassador to draw attention to the experiences of children living in communities affected by conflict and insecurity.

Despite the challenges associated with her environment, Zaman, was said to have continued to pursue academic excellence while developing her skills as a writer and poet.

Her story, organisers said, reflects the resilience of children from conflict-affected communities and challenges perceptions that their circumstances should determine the limits of their ambitions.

The festival said children from such communities should have opportunities to develop their talents and pursue careers across fields including literature, science, filmmaking, entrepreneurship, education, the arts and leadership.
Dominic Naomi: Advocating Inclusion Through Creativity

Naomi, described as an author, child advocate and creative voice, brings another dimension to the initiative.
With family connections across Plateau, Benue and Taraba states and an educational background that began in the South-East, her experiences have exposed her to Nigeria’s cultural and regional diversity.

“She is also passionate about writing and child advocacy and has expressed an ambition to become a human rights lawyer.

Through her creative work and advocacy, Naomi seeks to promote a society in which children can participate meaningfully in conversations about peace, inclusion and human rights”, the organizers said.

TAHRIFF and We Africa Create said the Children’s Rights Edition is designed to extend the conversation beyond the stories of the two ambassadors.

The organisers noted that millions of African children possess creative and intellectual potential but face barriers including inadequate educational opportunities, poverty, conflict, limited access to technology and a lack of platforms through which they can develop and showcase their abilities.

“The programme therefore seeks to connect children’s development with education, culture, film, literature, technology, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, digital storytelling and the arts.

Proposed initiatives include the We Africa Create AI Creative Studio, children’s creative enterprise programmes, cultural documentation projects, and the proposed development of a Children’s Cultural Park, Museum and Cinema”, the organizers stated.

The organisers said the initiatives are intended to provide pathways for children to progress from learning and creativity to innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership.

“The programme will also promote indigenous cultures and encourage children to document and engage with their heritage while acquiring skills relevant to the global creative economy.”

TAHRIFF called on governments, schools, businesses, philanthropists, cultural institutions, technology companies, filmmakers, artists and development partners to increase investment in children’s education, creativity and access to opportunities.

The organisers said empowering children should involve more than protecting them from harm, arguing that they should also be given the tools and platforms to participate in shaping their own futures.

The 2026 Children’s Rights Edition is expected to use the stories of Grace Zaman and Dominic T. Naomi to draw wider attention to the potential of African children and the need for sustained investment in their education, creativity, culture and digital participation.

The festival’s message is encapsulated in its call: “Our Culture. Our Rights. Their Future.”

The TAHRIFF 2026 Children’s Rights Edition is being organised by We Africa Create in partnership with the Taraba Human Rights International Film Festival.