Muhammad Garba
Concerned by the deteriorating conditions affecting children’s survival and well-being in Jigawa State, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), alongside media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has called on the government to improve allocations for child-sensitive budgeting.
The joint appeal was made during a Media and Civil Society Dialogue on the condition of children and budget allocations related to child welfare, held on Thursday at the Manpower Development Institute in Dutse.
Facilitated by UNICEF, the meeting identified significant gaps in the budget allocations and releases across various ministries and departments responsible for children’s welfare and survival.
In his remarks, UNICEF representative Mr. Rahama highlighted findings from a recent survey in the state, revealing that hundreds of thousands of children still live in multidimensional poverty.
This has led to high rates of child malnutrition, stunting, out-of-school children, and poor hygiene and sanitation.
He emphasized that the worsening living conditions make children vulnerable to preventable deaths, permanent disabilities, poor upbringing, and abuse, noting that ra holistic and joint efforts is urgently needed to tackle the situation for safeguarding society’s future.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Babangida Umar, who also spoke at the event, stated that Jigawa has a multisectoral plan for improving child welfare, recognizing children as the greatest asset for the state’s sustainable future.
He explained that most programs under the State Primary Healthcare Agency focus on women and children, as do initiatives in basic education, hygiene and sanitation, social security, and cash transfers for pregnant women and lactating mothers, among others.
However, the commissioner acknowledged gaps in accessing child-sensitive budgetary allocations and promised to engage relevant agencies for necessary action.
Speaking on behalf of the media, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Muhammad Zangina, linked persistent child malnutrition and poor living conditions to parents’ economic hardships.
“To achieve meaningful improvement in children’s lives, the government must also address the plight of parents by empowering them through their primary sources of livelihood,” he said.
“Children are dependent, so if the pillars they rely on are weak, it becomes difficult for them to grow smoothly and reach their full potential.
Agriculture is the mainstay of Jigawa’s economy; therefore, proactive policies by both federal and state governments are needed to revitalize the sector so parents can fulfill their responsibilities,” Zangina stated.
