The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has pledged support for the establishment of a Family Court in Kebbi State to expedite justice delivery in rural areas and strengthen child protection data for better planning.
Chief Field Officer of UNICEF Sokoto Office, Mr. Michael Juma, made this known during the 2025 End-of-Year Review Meeting organized in collaboration with the Kebbi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Birnin Kebbi.
Mr. Juma said discussions have been held with the Kebbi State Commissioner of Justice to take necessary steps toward setting up the Family Court, which will handle child-related cases and ensure speedy justice.
He commended the Kebbi State Government for passing the Child Protection Bill, noting that it would help secure the release of detained children, reduce lengthy trials, and facilitate their reintegration into society.
The UNICEF official reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Kebbi State in poverty reduction, social protection, and nutrition programs.
He lauded the government for releasing ₦500 million as counterpart funding for nutrition interventions.
Juma, however, urged the state to address challenges such as out-of-school children, cholera outbreaks, and the implementation of the WASH programme to expand the fight against open defecation beyond Arewa and Mayama local councils.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Suleiman Khalid, cautioned partners to consider cultural and religious values when developing policies.
He identified social and ecological factors as causes of child street begging and school dropouts, stressing the need for community leaders and parents to prioritize child education, especially during dry seasons when families migrate in search of livelihood.
Participants from various ministries and agencies presented their 2025 performance reports on nutrition, education, social policy, and WASH, aimed at strengthening collaboration for improved service delivery.
COV/Sani Dutsinma
