UNICEF Urges North-eastern States to Prioritise Investment in Child-Sensitive Sectors
By Auwal Ilyasu, Gombe
UNICEF urges northeastern Nigerian states to boost investment in child-sensitive sectors to enhance children’s well-being in the region.
The call to action, which highlights the critical need for allocating resources towards areas such as education, healthcare, and social protection, was to ensure that children in these states have access to essential services and a chance for a better future.
Speaking at a zonal policy dialogue on social budgeting, UNICEF’s Mohammed Kamfut emphasised that many disadvantaged children remain neglected.
“Despite global progress in poverty reduction, many of the world’s poorest and disadvantaged children remain left behind today.
Represented by Yusuf Auta, Social Policy Specialist, UNICEF BFO, Kamfut explained that poverty infringes upon children’s human rights and perpetuates a relentless cycle of deprivation that is challenging to break without adequate support.
He said, “It leads to numerous adverse outcomes for children, including hunger, malnutrition, poor health, and limited or no access to quality education and essential services. As children grow older and remain in poverty, the impact of these deprivations intensifies, further diminishing their opportunities to reach their full potential.”.
Hence, there is a need to invest in child-sensitive sectors, which is crucial for promoting the overall development and well-being of children in the Northeastern States.
“Nigeria’s population exceeds 205.9 million, with 49.5 percent comprising children who suffer from poverty due to their vulnerable status in society, which leads to long-term repercussions on their well-being, lasting into adulthood.
“Despite the global urgency to address poverty, initiatives to reduce poverty have often overlooked children.
The 2020 UNICEF-supported report shows over 47 million Nigerian children live below the poverty line, urging state investment.