UNICEF and Jigawa renew pledge to combat childhood destitution

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The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund and the Jigawa State Government have renewed their commitments to tackle child poverty head-on, pledging stronger collaboration to improve health, education and nutrition for children across the state.

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Arewa PUNCH reports that child poverty remains one of the biggest challenges facing developing countries, leaving millions of children without food, health care, education and basic protection.

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According to our correspondent, the challenge is more visible in Jigawa’s rural communities where access to services is limited, making government and partners’ action more urgent in the state.

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As such, the renewed pledge was made during a courtesy visit by the New Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Kano, Mr. Shafeeq Ur-Rehman, to Governor Umar Namadi at the Government House in Dutse, on Friday.

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Mr. Shafeeq, who led other senior UNICEF officials, said the visit was his first official engagement since assuming office as head of the Kano Field Office.

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He explained that the Kano Field Office coordinates UNICEF’s programmes and operations across Kano, Jigawa and Katsina States.

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“The engagement is my first official visit to you since assuming office as the New Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Kano,” Mr. Shafeeq told Gov Namadi.

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He commended Jigawa for its consistent investment in children and family ties, describing the state as a model in human development, adding that “the Jigawa State Government has shown unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of children and families.”

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He maintained that, “The state has distinguished itself through sustained investments in healthcare, education, nutrition, child protection, water, sanitation and hygiene, and other human development initiatives.”

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In his response, Governor Umar Namadi, who warmly welcomed the UNICEF delegation, congratulated Mr. Shafeeq on his appointment.

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The governor expressed optimism that the new leadership would strengthen the longstanding partnership between Jigawa and UNICEF.

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“I warmly welcome you to Jigawa State and congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment. I am also confident that your leadership will further strengthen the partnership between UNICEF and the governments under the Kano Field Office,” Namadi said.

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The governor described Jigawa’s relationship with UNICEF as one built over several decades on trust and shared goals, stressing, “The relationship between Jigawa State and UNICEF spans several decades, built on mutual trust, shared values, and a common commitment to improving the lives of children, women, and vulnerable communities.”

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He also acknowledged UNICEF’s support across key sectors that directly affect children’s wellbeing in the state, saying that “UNICEF has been invaluable in advancing our development agenda in quality education, primary healthcare, nutrition, child protection, social policy, WASH, and community development.”

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Accordingly, Namadi pointed to nutrition programmes as a major success of the collaboration between the state and UNICEF, revealing, “We have recorded remarkable progress through initiatives like the Masaki Nutrition Programme and other nutrition-sensitive interventions.”

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He added that “these are aimed at tackling child malnutrition and improving maternal and child health outcomes.”

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More importantly, the governor highlighted Jigawa’s progress in becoming a leading Open Defecation Free state in the country.

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Therefore, he assured UNICEF of his administration’s continued support and commitment to expand social programmes.

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“Jigawa State remains committed to deepening this partnership for better health, education, protection, and opportunities for every child in Jigawa State,” Namadi concluded.

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