Ibrahim Ibrahim
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Jigawa State Government to expedite the passage of the revised Social Protection Bill into law to tackle widespread child poverty in the state.
Speaking at the launch and dissemination of the Jigawa General Household Survey at the Government House in Dutse, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Kano.
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Represented by Micheal Banda, emphasized the urgent need for legislative action to address the problem.
Farah highlighted alarming statistics, revealing that 89.4% of children in Jigawa State experience monetary poverty, while 85.6% are multi-dimensionally poor, facing deprivations in areas such as health, education, nutrition, water sanitation, shelter, access to information, and child protection.
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He commended the state government for its efforts in improving child welfare but stressed that data-driven decision-making and legal frameworks are essential for sustainable progress.
UNICEF called on the 27 local government chairmen to prioritize child-specific budget allocations in health, education, and social protection.
Additionally, the organization urged an expansion of birth registration for children under five, aiming to increase the current rate by at least 30%.
Farah further emphasized the importance of leveraging local government data for planning and decision-making, stating that such measures would significantly contribute to reducing child poverty in Jigawa State.
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Speaking at the occasion, Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi says, the state will use the statistical data gathered by the State Bureau for Statistics for a result oriented and effective decision making.
He said the data has clearly shown that the position of the State in almost every sector will serve a variable for effective decision making.
He urged the Local Governments, Ministries Departments and Agencies to obtain the document for proper implementation of government`s policies and programmes.
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Director General of the Bureau, Dr. Jamilu Garba Yayari said, the agency has disseminated three important reports which included Consumer price index, General House Survey, and Health sector.
He commended Governor Umar Namadi for the support and cooperation given to the agency.