By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reiterated that it is committed to ensuring women and children in Nigeria have a good life to contribute to the development of the nation.
The assertion was made by the Chief of Field Office (CFO), UNICEF Bauchi Field Office (BFO), Dr Nuzhat Rafique in an opening remarks at the 2024 Annual /Programme Review and 2025 – 2027 Workplan Consultation for Bauchi and Plateau States held in Bauchi on Monday.
Nuzhat Rafique stressed that whatever UNICEF is doing is for the good of Women and children who are regarded as the most vulnerable people in the society who must be rescued.
The CFO added that what UNICEF is doing is to support the plans of the States in service delivery pointing out that UNICEF cannot do anything without their inputs.
She expressed deep concern over the plight of women and children in terms of accessibility to quality healthcare services and education calling for more actions in tackling the issue.
The CFO commemded the States in the Bauchi Field Office for engaging in ensuring that the activities were implemented for the good of the people.
Also speaking, Commissioner of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Aminu Hammayo commemded UNICEF for supporting the state in all ramifications of implementation of its activities.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Jibrin Mohammed Yusuf said that the State has been prompt in the release of counterpart funding for the various interventions.
He assured that the State will continue to partner all relevant donor agencies in order to achieve the set objectives of a healthy people assuring that with the review, the Ministry will be able to incorporate other issues not captured in the 2025 budget estimate submitted to the House of Assembly by Governor Bala Muhammad.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of Plateau State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Raymond Juryit commended UNICEF for supporting the state in effective and efficient healthcare service delivery.
Represented by the Director, Disease Control and Immunization, Dr, Yakubu Dauda Izang the ES expressed confidence that with continous support by UNICEF which he said has complemented the efforts of the State Government.
He stressed that the review meeting will afford the State the opportunity to see what has been done and achieved in the year 2024 and plan for the next phase of the implementation of its activities.