The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has signed a multi-year work plan with the Jigawa State Government to enhance education, health, child protection, and social welfare.
During the signing ceremony at Government House, Dutse, the UNICEF Chief of the Kano Field Office, Mr. Rahama Mohammed Farah, stated that the work plan outlines ambitious targets and outcomes that require resource mobilization for successful implementation.
He said the partnership requires strong commitment on the part of the state government in order to achieve and the set goals for the benefit of the state’s health, education and social sectors.
“The signing of this work plan formalises yet again our partnership that holds immense promise for the children and families of Jigawa state.
“This workplan is not just a document, it is a testament to our shared vision for a brighter future for every child in Jigawa state,”
“By prioritising investments in these sectors, the state can build resilient systems that are less dependent on external funding and more responsive to the needs of its people.
“In this context, I would like to respectfully call on the Jigawa State Government to consider increasing the allocation of domestic resources to the critical sectors of health, nutrition, education, WASH, child protection, and social protection”, Mohammed-Farrah said.
According to him, UNICEF acknowledges the current realities of dwindling global donor funding, hence the significance of the government contribution.
He stressed the need to explore innovative and sustainable financing models to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the programmes.
In his speech, Governor Umar Namadi said the Jigawa State government has set aside N90 billion for social welfare programmes in the 2025 budget which represents 16 per cent of the budget.
He noted that the allocation will cover the various social welfare programs that include implementation of women empowerment initiatives, water and sanitation, healthcare and education.
Malam Umar Namadi pointed out that the partnership between the state and the UNICEF has been productive and beneficial to the people of Jigawa State particularly women and children.
“The collaboration between UNICEF and some of our MDAs resulted in the three-year rolling plan and it testifies to the strong and dynamic partnership between UNICEF and the Jigawa state government.
“UNICEF is the oldest development partner that has consistently supported Jigawa state since its creation 1991.
“UNICEF uses its own resources to support our development efforts, while we also mobilise resources from other development partners, to contribute to the development of our state.
He said, over the years, these efforts have continued to produce positive and lasting impacts on the various spheres of economic, social and human development sectors in the state.
The Governor explained that the state was making steady progress in terms of social welfare for the vulnerable as indicated by the latest National Demographic and Health Survey.
Namadi tasked MDAs in the state to ensure the effective implementation of the three-year work plan and directed the state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to coordinate bi-annual joint implementation report to ensure its full implementation.
COV/USMAN MZ
