Bauchi Gov reiterates Commitment to Strengthen ties with UNICEF
By Abbas Usman, Bauchi
The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Bauchi State Government for demonstrating keen interest, reliable commitment to children’s rights and welfare.
UNICEF New Country Representative in Nigeria, Mrs. Wafaa Saeed gave the Commendation and appreciation during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Government House, Bauchi.
She explained that UNICEF’s mission in Nigeria is to guarantee every child a healthy start in life, access to quality education, nutrition, and protection from harm, including building resilience against insecurity and climate shocks.
Mrs. Saeed described Bauchi’s contributions to Child Nutrition Fund as exemplary, noting that it sets a standard not only for Nigeria but for other countries to emulate.
The UNICEF representative further praise the state Government initiatives to reduce the number of out-of-school children, emphasizing that access to education is crucial to addressing early marriage, improving health outcomes and ensuring brighter prospects for the youth.
In his response, Governor Bala Mohammed described the visit as timely and a sign of confidence from development partners.
He highlighted progress made in collaboration with UNICEF since 2019 in areas of immunization, nutrition, maternal and child healthcare, water, sanitation, and education which yielded fruitful results to the development of the State.
He unfolded that the government has committed ₦872 million as counterpart funding for the 2025 Primary Healthcare MOU, in addition to ₦300 million earmarked for nutrition, and has also paid its ₦132 million contribution to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.
He outlined numerous State’s interventions in the health sector, that includes construction of 50 new Primary Healthcare Centres, rehabilitation of three general hospitals, supply of equipment to over 200 PHCs, recruitment of 1,600 health workers and 100 doctors, and the introduction of new salary package to encourage staff and retain professionals.
The governor reiterated and assured of his administration’s commitment to strengthen ties with UNICEF, describing the agency as a critical partner in aligning Bauchi with global best standards in health, education, and social services.
