By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on Nigeria to take the lead in Africa’s fight against child malnutrition, out-of-school children, and poor child protection systems.
UNICEF Country Representative, Mrs. Wafaa Saeed, made this appeal on Monday during her maiden courtesy visit to Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, in Birnin Kebbi. She emphasized that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest nation, has the responsibility to champion child survival and education.
Nigeria News Today: UNICEF Lauds Kebbi’s Efforts
Mrs. Saeed commended the Kebbi State government for investing heavily in child health and education, particularly in combating malnutrition.
“We commend Kebbi State Government for the huge funds released to stem malnutrition among children. Such commitments mean Kebbi, as a UNICEF partner, is poised to join hands with us to eradicate or reduce malnutrition and out-of-school children in the state,” she said.
She further stressed that UNICEF will continue to support Nigeria in strengthening interventions in health, education, and child survival initiatives across the country.
The Bureau News Reports Governor Idris’ Pledge
Governor Idris, represented by his deputy, Umar Abubakar Tafida, thanked UNICEF for its contributions to Kebbi State. He pledged greater collaboration to fight the menace of out-of-school children and child malnutrition.
“We are ready to strengthen ties with UNICEF in these critical areas, and we will provide more financial and moral support to ensure children in Kebbi State enjoy a healthier and brighter future,” Tafida assured.
New Cold Vaccine Storage Facility Launched
During the visit, Mrs. Saeed officially launched a newly built vaccine cold storage facility at the Malaria Control Unit in Birnin Kebbi.
She explained that the cold room will serve as a safe storage and distribution point for vaccines, boosting the state’s vaccination drive and ensuring children’s health is better protected.
The Bureau News notes that Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest number of out-of-school children and malnutrition cases in the world. UNICEF’s latest push positions Nigeria as a potential leader in reversing these trends across Africa.