By Suzan Edeh
The United National Children Fund (UNICEF) and all its implementing partners in plateau and Bauchi states have conducted it’s 2024 End of year Review and 2025-27 work plan consultations in order to discuss achievements, key challenges and actions required to address challenges in different sectors of the states.
Speaking at the one day review meeting in Bauchi on Monday, which was attended by stakeholders from the two states drawn from various ministries, departments and agencies in social sectors, the Chief UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique said that the aim of the stakeholders’ meeting was to take stock of what it has done during the year in terms of success stories as well as challenges and gaps with the aim of planning for the following year.
She stated that the mandate UNICEF is to reach every child, and every mother in the area of health, education and nutrition even as she called on all partners as well as other stakeholders to redouble their efforts in 2025 to accomplish the collective goals for the betterment of children.
“UNICEF is doing its best for the good of Women and children who are regarded as the most vulnerable people in the society who must be rescued. We have been supporting the plans of the States in service because UNICEF cannot do anything without their inputs” She said
She expressed deep concern over the plight of women and children in terms of accessibility to quality healthcare services and education calling for more actions in tackling the issue.
The Chief of Field Office commended the stakeholders for their engagement in ensuring that the activities were implemented for the good of the people.
“UNICEF is doing its best for the good of Women and children who are regarded as the most vulnerable people in the society who must be rescued. We have been supporting the plans of the States in service because UNICEF cannot do anything without their inputs” She said
Also speaking, Commissioner of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Aminu Hammayo commended UNICEF for supporting the state in all ramifications of implementation of its activities.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Jibrin Mohammed Yusuf said that the State has been prompt in the release of counterpart funding for the various interventions.
He assured that the State will continue to partner all relevant donor agencies in order to achieve the set objectives of a healthy people assuring that with the review, the Ministry will be able to incorporate other issues not captured in the 2025 budget estimate submitted to the House of Assembly by Governor Bala Muhammad.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of Plateau State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Raymond Juryit commended UNICEF for supporting the state in effective and efficient healthcare service delivery.
Represented by the Director, Disease Control and Immunization, Dr, Yakubu Dauda Izang the ES expressed confidence that with continuous support by UNICEF which he said has complemented the efforts of the State Government.
He stressed that the review meeting will afford the State the opportunity to see what has been done and achieved in the year 2024 and plan for the next phase of the implementation of its activities.
