The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has unveiled plans to emphasize local community engagement in 2025, aiming to dismantle barriers impeding the realization of children’s rights. This commitment was announced during the 2024 end-of-year review meeting and 2025-2027 work plan consultation at the Manpower Development Institute (MDI) in Dutse, Jigawa State.

The Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, Mr. Rahma Rihood Mohammed Farah, disclosed these goals. Represented by Mr. Michael Obanda, Officer in Charge of the Kano Field Office, Farah highlighted the meeting’s purpose: to evaluate past initiatives and adapt programming to the evolving environment.

“We want to ensure that we address changes in the programming environment since 2002,” Obanda noted. “With local governments now having greater autonomy to manage resources, our strategy will focus more on engaging local communities to identify priorities and eliminate bottlenecks that hinder children’s rights.”

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to critical areas of intervention, emphasizing efforts to achieve open defecation-free (ODF) communities, reduce the number of out-of-school children, and enhance learning outcomes. Additionally, the organization aims to expand zero-dose immunization coverage, promote birth registration, and lower child and maternal mortality rates, ensuring a comprehensive approach to improving child welfare and rights.

Obanda called on stakeholders to demonstrate commitment and collaboration in realizing these objectives, stressing the importance of collective effort in overcoming challenges.

UNICEF commended the Jigawa State Government for its proactive approach to prioritizing children’s welfare. “Jigawa has shown not only the will to address critical issues but has also allocated resources effectively where they are needed most,” Obanda stated.