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Tag: UNICEF

  • UNICEF commends Gov. Fintiri for signing Adamawa Child Protection Bill into Law

    UNICEF commends Gov. Fintiri for signing Adamawa Child Protection Bill into Law

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has been commended by UNICEF for signing the Child Protection Bill into Law.

    UNICEF Representative in Nigeria Ms. Cristian Munduate, made this commendation in a statement she signed on 5 November ,2022.

    “The Child Protection Law is the official position of the Adamawa Government that disregards children’s rights is unacceptable and punishable.

    The law aims to safeguard the rights of children by preventing and addressing the killing and maiming of children, child labour, abductions of children, sexual violence against children and the recruitment and use of children by armed groups, among other grave violations of their rights.

    Munduate said, “UNICEF hopes that the new law in Adamawa will be effectively implemented and that vulnerable children are supported to survive, thrive and become successful members of the society.”

    “With the signing into law the Child Protection Bill by the government of Adamawa state, only Kano, Bauchi and Gombe states are yet to domesticate the Child Rights Act.”

    “UNICEF calls on the Governments of these states to do the needful as a commitment of their respect for the rights of children.”

    Also, it said, “UNICEF will continue to work with the government of Adamawa to operationalize the law and bring perpetrators and violators into account.”

  • UNICEF Calls For Rescue Of 21 Children Abducted In Katsina

    UNICEF Calls For Rescue Of 21 Children Abducted In Katsina

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Friday urged authorities to swing into action and rescue 21 children abducted in a farm in Mairuwa community, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State on Sunday.

    In a statement signed by UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms Cristian Munduate, the UN agency described the abductions as “reprehensible.”

    “UNICEF is concerned about the report of the abduction of no fewer than 21 children at a farm in Mairuwa community, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, north-west Nigeria,” the statement said.

    “Confirmed reports indicate the 21 children – 17 girls and 4 boys – aged between 15 and 18, were abducted last Sunday at about 12:30 p.m. by “bandits.

    “Abduction of children whether at home, at school, on the farm, or anywhere else, is reprehensible. Children should never be the target of violence, especially by anyone who should be protecting them.

    “We call on the authorities to take necessary action to rescue the abducted children and reunite them with their families unhurt, and without delay.

    “UNICEF also calls on the authorities to rescue other persons reported to have been kidnapped on the farm at the same time the children were abducted.

    “This tragic incident is yet an indication of the danger children face by acts perpetrated by people who should protect them.”

  • 12m U-5 Children Living in Severe Food Poverty in Nigeria – UNICEF

    12m U-5 Children Living in Severe Food Poverty in Nigeria – UNICEF

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has said that at least 12 million under five, U5, Nigerian children are living in severe food poverty.

    UNICEF Chief of Nutrition in Nigeria, Nemat Hajeebhoy disclosed this in Abuja yesterday at a Media Executive Roundtable Meeting on Nutrition organized by the National Council on Nutrition , NCN, of the Office of Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibajo .

    Hajeebhoy who disclosed this while speaking on the Nutrition Situation in Nigeria said that poor diets are robbing millions of children of their health, development, and lifetime prospects.

    Due to Food insecurity in Nigeria, 19 million people which includes adults and children are food insecure out of which 1 million suffer acute food insecurity, the UNICEF Chief of Nutrition stated.
    .
    She pointed that Nigeria ranks the number on in Africa and two in the world in terms of the number of children malnourished.

    “Due to the reality of malnutrition in the country, every hour, almost 100 children die from malnutrition and if left untreated by way of food security by the government of Nigeria, the 12 million Hajeebhoy said, ” children with severe acute malnutrition, SAM, are more likely to die than a healthy child.”

    As treatment to malnutrition , Hajeebhoy said,” It costs only N6,000 to prevent a child from becoming malnourished while it costs N 57,000 to treat ba malnourished child.”

    UNICEF called on government to take advantage of the first 1000 days of children’s critical window of opportunity by investing more in a child’s life from when a woman is pregnant to when the child clocks two years.

    President of Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Professor Wasiu Afolabi noted that despite the human and natural resources in Nigeria, without human capital development every other development will end up being destroyed, if nutrition is not prioritized.

    Head of Nutrition and Food Security, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Rasaq Oyeleke said that 50% of deaths in Nigeria is related to malnutrition, and called on government to look at how to improve nutrition, by improving the food systems if the nation wants to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.

    Dr. Oyeleke emphasized that consuming food does not translate to improved nutrition, adding that to promote healthy diet there is need for government to take such steps like reformation of foods and drinks , food products to contain less sugar, salt, and fats.

    Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning , represented by Lanre Adekanye who declared the meeting open, noted that adequate nutrition is the bedrock of child survival, health, and development.

    People with adequate nutrition are more productive and can create opportunities to gradually break the cycle of poverty and hunger in the nation, he stressed.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Nutrition, Office of the Vice President, Dr. Abimbola Adesanmi said that the objective of the Media Executive Meeting on Nutrition was to address and also create awareness on malnutrition in Nigeria.

    The Media is key in raising this awareness on the citizenry, so they can hold politicians accountable on their campaign promises on plans for Nutrition for the populac, Adesanmi said.

  • Devastating floods puts more than 1.5 m Children at Risks of Diseases, Malnutrition – UNICEF

    Devastating floods puts more than 1.5 m Children at Risks of Diseases, Malnutrition – UNICEF

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    UNICEF today warned that devastating effects of severe flooding in the past decade in Nigeria has put more than 1.5 million children at risk of water-borne diseases, drowning and malnutrition.

    The flooding which has affected 34 states out of 36 states of the country displaced 2.3 million people and more than 2.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, 60 percent of which are children.

    Likewise, Over 600 people have lost their lives and over 200,000 houses have either been partially or fully damaged.

    Cases of diarrhea and water-borne diseases, respiratory infection, and skin diseases have already been on the rise.

    In the north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe alone, a total of 7,485 cases of cholera and 319 associated deaths were reported as of 12 October. As rains are expected to continue for several weeks, humanitarian needs are also expected to rise.

    UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate said, “Children and adolescents in flood-affected areas are in an extremely vulnerable situation.”

    ” They are particularly at risk of waterborne diseases and emotional and psychological distress. UNICEF is working closely with the Government and other partners to provide life-saving assistance to those who are most in need.”  

    The floods are adding another layer of complexity to an already precarious humanitarian situation in the country. Immediate priority requires for children include health, water, sanitation, and hygiene; as well as shelter and food. Additional funding and resources are required to respond to growing needs and to sustain ongoing humanitarian interventions, with a focus on the most vulnerable, including children with disabilities.

    According to UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI), Nigeria is considered as ‘extremely high risk’ of the impacts of climate change, ranking second out of 163 countries.

    Children in ‘extremely high risk’ countries face a deadly combination of exposure to multiple climate and environmental shocks combined with high levels of underlying child vulnerability, due to inadequate essential services, such as water and sanitation, healthcare and education.

    According to UNICEF, to date, it has supported the government response in three affected States – Jigawa, Niger, and Kaduna, including through the provision of cash assistance, distribution of cholera kits, government-led mobile health teams, temporary learning centers and learning kits and cholera kits.

    With additional support, UNICEF says it can scale up its response in other states to provide lifesaving medical equipment and essential medicines, chlorination of water and sanitation supplies, as well as to support the prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based violence.

  • Flooding: Over 1.5 Million Nigerian Children At Risk, Says UNICEF

    Flooding: Over 1.5 Million Nigerian Children At Risk, Says UNICEF

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNIEF) says over 1.5 million Nigerian children are at risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition as floods hit over 20 of the 36 states in the country.

    UNICEF in a statement on Friday also said more than 2.5 million people in Nigeria are in need of humanitarian assistance – 60 per cent of which are children.

    “The floods, which have affected 34 out of the 36 states in the country, have displaced 1.3 million people.

    “Over 600 people have lost their lives and over 200,000 houses have either been partially or fully damaged.

    “Cases of diarrhoea and water-borne diseases, respiratory infection, and skin diseases have already been on the rise. In the north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe alone, a total of 7,485 cases of cholera and 319 associated deaths were reported as of 12 October.

    As rains are expected to continue for several weeks, humanitarian needs are also expected to rise. Children and adolescents in flood-affected areas are in an extremely vulnerable situation,” said UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate.

    “They are particularly at risk of waterborne diseases and emotional and psychological distress. UNICEF is working closely with the Government and other partners to provide life-saving assistance to those who are most in need.”

    The floods are adding another layer of complexity to an already precarious humanitarian situation in the country.

    According to UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI), Nigeria is considered at ‘extremely high risk’ of the impacts of climate change, ranking second out of 163 countries.

    “Children in ‘extremely high risk’ countries face a deadly combination of exposure to multiple climate and environmental shocks combined with high levels of underlying child vulnerability, due to inadequate essential services, such as water and sanitation, healthcare and education,” the UN body said.

  • Ganduje, FG, Dangote, Bill Melinda Gates Foundations, UNICEF sign MoU on strengthening Kano health Systems

    Ganduje, FG, Dangote, Bill Melinda Gates Foundations, UNICEF sign MoU on strengthening Kano health Systems

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Addendum III on strengthening the health care delivery system in Kano State with the Federal Government, Dangote, Bill Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF.

    Among the signatories to the MoU was the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Dr Faisal Shu’aib on behalf of the Federal Government, and other health professionals.

    While the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero and representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) signed as witnesses at the occasion.

    In a press release signed by Abba Anwar Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kano State, the state commitment in improving health care system by the state government the MoU would play key and critical role in making Kano greater towards achieving improved healthcare delivery system in the state.

    Entrance to the MoU Addendum III
    was facilitated by the state performance of the Addendum II were in the areas of fund sustainability for Routine Immunization (RI) programmes alongside increment of RI budget ceiling by 22 percent in the last six consecutive years, among others.

    Provision of qualitative technical assistance and stronger capacity building in the local communities are part of the major areas the MoU would look into critically to enable the process remain result-oriented with effective implementation and transparent exercise.

    While commending governor Ganduje’s political will in driving the process, development partners also applauded the traditional institutions for their continued and tireless efforts in making the entire process a success story.

    Meanwhile, Gov. Ganduje also earned the Award of Excellence for the state as the Most Improved State on COVID-19 vaccination during the 2022 African Vaccination Week.

    According to the statement, Ganduje was rewarded for his political will to make Kano greater on high pedestal in all areas of human endeavors, particularly healthcare delivery system.

    The state governor assured his continued commitment and support for improving tertiary, secondary and primary health care delivery systems in the state.

    He said, “We are also committed to see to the successful implementation of this MoU from all its ramifications.”

  • UNICEF, IHS Nigeria to Support 8 States With Oxygen Plants for treatment of pneumonia, COVID-19 patients

    UNICEF, IHS Nigeria to Support 8 States With Oxygen Plants for treatment of pneumonia, COVID-19 patients

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    UNICEF and IHS Nigeria, a subsidiary of IHS Towers, has announced an 18-month partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health to help supply oxygen in hospitals for the treatment of pneumonia, COVID-19 and other hypoxemia disorders in newborn babies and pregnant women.

    The new partnership covers Ogun, Oyo, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross Rivers, and Rivers states.

    According to UNICEF, over 120,000 children in Nigeria die every year from hypoxemia, making the availability of oxygen critical to improving health outcomes and reducing mortality due to pneumonia by 35% , which is seldom available and often expensive.

    Oxygen is a life-saving medical gas used in the treatment of respiratory illnesses and support various healthcare provisions such as emergency obstetric care, surgery, and anaesthesia.

    UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins said, “With limited access to supplemental oxygen, the line between life and death is blurred for critically ill patients with pneumonia and severe COVID-19 symptoms, adding that in Nigeria , this situation is, unfortunately, the reality for many.”

    “At UNICEF, we value our strong partnership with IHS Nigeria. It is only through joint efforts and the support of trusted partners like IHS Nigeria that we can deliver robust healthcare and advance other sustainable development goals to all Nigerians,’’ Hawkins said.

    CEO IHS Nigeria Mohamad Darwish, said, “We are delighted to be contributing further to the provision of healthcare in Nigeria. When we read about the number of deaths in Nigeria that could be avoided by making oxygen available, such projects become a must-do rather than an option. ”

    Darwish stated , “By working collaboratively, we believe we can help improve the health and well-being of our communities and thereby express a very small token of appreciation to our beloved country and the communities that host us. ”

    He prayed that the partnership will encourage others in the private sector to contribute to the delivery of vital healthcare for women and children across Nigeria.

    Under the new collaboration, oxygen plants will be installed in health facilities and incorporated into state-specific oxygen resilience plans, including training healthcare workers on the safe administration of oxygen.

  • Tambuwal Receives Courtesy Call from UNICEF Country Representative

    Tambuwal Receives Courtesy Call from UNICEF Country Representative

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

    Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal received a courtesy call by the Country Representative of the UNICEF, Mr. Peter Hawkins and Members of his team at the Government House Sokoto.

    They were at Sokoto’s power house for a meeting aimed at sustainability of the existing partnership between the global organisation and the Sokoto State Government.

    In attendance at the meeting with Gov. Tambuwal were the Deputy Governor, Hon.Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, Grand Khadi, Shu’aibu Sodangi, SSG, Mohammad Mainasara Ahmad Mni, HoS, Abubakar Muhammad Mni, CoS, Muktar Magori, and some Members of the State Executive Council.

  • UNICEF gives kudos to Kebbi State for domesticating Child Rights Act

    UNICEF gives kudos to Kebbi State for domesticating Child Rights Act

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF , has commended the Kebbi State Government as Governor Senator Abubakar Bagudu signed into Law the State Child Rights Bill, CRA.

    Bagudu signed the CRA at the weekly Executive Council meeting at the Council Chambers of Government House, Birnin Kebbi, recently.

    This makes Kebbi State the 31st State to adopt the CRA (2015) since it was passed into law by the National Assembly in 2003.
    UNICEF while commending this gesture urged the State Government to allocate and release adequate resources and full implementation of the law to ensure children have the right enshrined in it. .

    UNICEF Representative in , Peter Hawkins said, “We congratulate the government and people of Kebbi State on this momentous achievement. By providing legislation that protects the rights of its children, Kebbi State has taken the right decision to provide its children the enabling environment to thrive and reach their full potential. ”

    In 2003, Nigeria’s National Assembly enacted the Child Rights Act (CRA), which derives from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) to which Nigeria is a signatory; and all of Nigeria’s 36 States are expected to domesticate the law. Not all States in Nigeria have domesticated the law, however.

    By signing the Child Rights bill into law, Kebbi State has joined the group of states which have a legislative framework through the domestication of the Nigeria Child Rights Act.

    Thirty-one (31) States have so far enacted the state equivalents of the Child Rights Act. Five States are yet to domesticate the law: Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano and Zamfara.              

    To contribute to the fulfilment of children’s rights in Nigeria, UNICEF, in collaboration with partners, has been supporting government at the State and Federal levels to put in place laws and policies which address child rights issues, and the Kebbi State Child Protection Law is one of the results of such efforts.

  • UNICEF, Bauchi SUBEB Educate Society On The Importance Of Girl Child Education

    UNICEF, Bauchi SUBEB Educate Society On The Importance Of Girl Child Education

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

    The three-day Media Dialogue on Girl’s Education organized by Bauchi SUBEB in collaboration with UNICEF for Sokoto and Zamfara states based media was conducted at Sokoto Guest Inn.

    The media dialogue is part of activities of the Girl’s Education Project 3 (GEP3) funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development (FCDC) of the UK and implemted by UNICEF.

    Declaring the ceremony opened, the Sokoto state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Dr. Muhammad Bello Gwiwa said it is very important to say that UNICEF’s contributions to girls education through funding from Foreign Commonwealth Development Office since inception in 2012 is quite commendable as it greatly assist in the provision of quality education and increase in access, retention and transition especially for girls.

    Furthermore, Gwiwa said from inception to date there is increase in pupil’s enrollment especially girls as well as promoting girl friendly learning environments and promoting planning and decision making processes which support evidence based scale up of intervention among other things executed by the agencies.

    Delivering goodwill message, the Chief UNICEF Field Officer, Dr. Maryam Darwish Said explained that the second extention is a targeted intervention of the GEP3 programmer, that specifically focuses on junior and senior secondary schools level.

    She said the aims of this extension are to consolidate the gains of the GEP3 program me and as well provide technical assistance to states to strengthen targeted capacity in data management, planning and assessment enabling them to continue to implement key GEP3 activities.

    Earlier in his welcome remarks, the acting Permanent Secretary ministry for Basic and Secondary Education represented by Director Planning of the Ministry, honored the organizers for considering and celecting the girl child education important especially in this part of the country where female gender are far left behind.

    In his closing remarks, the Chairman Sokoto SUBEB, Altine Shehu Kajiji said the three-day workshop on girl child education was very important considering the fact that female gender are far left behind especially in the northern part of the country.

    He said enrollment and completion of girl child education has been a major problem but with regular publicity and intervention of UNICEF , things are changing and wished for its sustenance.