UNICEF calls for social policy to tackle child poverty

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on state governments in Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe to put in place better social policy as a way of tackling child poverty.

The UN agency made the call during a two-day meeting held in Gombe, organised by the Bauchi Field Office of UNICEF with experts on social policy as well as journalists from the three states.

During the meeting, the participants were exposed to issues that trigger child poverty which has become a major threat to children’s well-being and future.

UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Dr Yusuf Auta, made a presentation on child poverty and its drivers as well as the multidimensional child poverty in Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe states, using recent poverty statistics as it affects children.

Dr Yusuf called for children’s sensitive budgets and releases as well as doing away with socio-cultural impediments that stand as barriers against adequate welfare for all children.

Our correspondent reports that the session discussed the impacts of child poverty on national and regional socio-economic development, while implementable approaches were proffered for government and stakeholders to employ to address child poverty in Nigeria and specifically in Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe states.

In a goodwill message, Gombe State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali, decried that despite the huge potential in the northeast region, it has been contending with poor human development indicators in virtually all areas because of the activities of insurgents.

He said there has been a massive influx of people from conflict areas surrounding the state which has affected the impact of the modest gains the state governments have been making, especially on social policies concerning children.

“The government and people of Gombe, Adamawa and Bauchi states are overwhelmed by this development as it is timely to brainstorm and harness ideas on how to tackle the menace and reduce the indices of child poverty in the region,” he said.

Baba Alkali commended UNICEF for their tireless support, especially in the northeast states of Gombe, Bauchi and Adamawa towards child protection policies.