By: Our Correspondent
KANO, North-West, Nigeria – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to support various state governments in the country address the challenges bedeviling child growth, survival and development.
UNICEF Nigeria Chief of Field Services and Coordination, Dr Annefrida Kisesa, gave the assurance at the close of a four-day meeting on ensuring sustainability of results for children through social policy in Kano on Thursday.
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.
Dr. Kisesa however restated the commitment of the Fund to continue to provide technical support for policy development, including planning and decision-making processes concerning children.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare, Youth and Sports Bauchi State, Mrs. Lydia Shewu, commended UNICEF for the support it has been giving the state in the area of pupils enrollment.
She assured that the various states government would provide the necessary support to ensure effective
implementation of the recommendations on the social policy programmes.
The Perm Sec assured that the states partners would find the road map 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.
The workshop organized by UNICEF in collaboration with Kano State Government and Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning was attended by commissioners, Permanent Secretaries Ministry of Budget and Planning as well as other key stakeholders from 19 Northern states.