UNICEF Reaffirms Commitment to Child Survival, Development in Nigeria
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to support various state governments to address the challenges bedevilling child growth, survival and development in the country.
Dr Annefrida Kisesa, the Chief of Field Services and Coordination, UNICEF Nigeria gave the assurance at the closing ceremony of a four-day meeting on ensuring sustainability of results for Children through social policy for Children in Kano on Thursday.
The workshop which was organized by UNICEF in collaboration with Kano State Government and Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, was well attended by commissioners and permanent Secretaries of ministries of Budget and Planning as well as other key stakeholders from the 19 Northern states.
She said the meeting was aimed at strengthening the capacity of the stakeholders from the 19 Northern
states with a view to coming up with an action plan for the development of children.
“In addition, the meeting was aimed at looking at the situation of children in states with evidence from each state for intervention programmes.
“This will enable UNICEF to give the necessary support where necessary because every child has the right to survival, growth, development and participation.
“Protecting and fulfilling these rights requires budgets, laws and social policies that promote equity, “she said.
The UNICEF official, however restated the commitment of the Fund to continue to provide technical support for policy development, including planning and decision-making processes concerning children both boys and girls.
In her remarks, Mrs Lydia Shewu, Permanent Secretary, Bauchi State Ministry of Social Welfare Youths and Sports, commended UNICEF for the support it has been giving the state in the area of pupils enrolment.
She assured that the various states government would provide the necessary support to ensure effective
implementation of the recommendations on the social policy programmes.
She assured that the states partners would find the roadmap for the development of children and submit same to the states government for immediate implementation.
She appreciated all other participants and the resource persons for their contributions towards the success of the meeting.
