North-West Governors move to reduce poverty amongst women, children
By Laraba Usman
Governors from Nigeria’s North-West region have pledged to take stronger action to reduce poverty and improve the lives of children and women.
This is contained in a press statement signed by Samuel Kalu, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Nigeria, Kano Field Office, after a high-level policy dialogue held in Kano.
The meeting was organised by the North-West Governors’ Forum in partnership with the Office of the Vice President, the European Union (EU), UNICEF and other development partners.
It brought together governors, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, private sector representatives, youth groups and development partners.
According to the statement, the North-West, with a population of about 60 million people, faces high levels of poverty with children and women most affected.
According to the statement, many children are out of school, while families continue to face challenges in healthcare, education, nutrition, water supply, sanitation and income.
The statement said discussions focused on ways to improve social protection programmes, education, healthcare services and funding for vulnerable people, especially those affected by insecurity and displacement.
At the end of the meeting, the governors adopted a joint communiqué outlining key actions to strengthen social protection, improve public services and increase funding for poverty reduction programmes.
They also approved a roadmap and monitoring framework to track progress.
Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum and Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, represented by Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal, said the region now has clear priorities and responsibilities to improve the lives of its people, especially children.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said the success of the dialogue would be judged by how quickly the commitments lead to better living conditions for families across the region.
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, stressed the need for adequate funding and transparency to ensure support reaches those who need it most.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, said urgent action is needed to expand social protection and improve access to health and education services so that children can survive, learn and succeed.
The statement added that the dialogue is part of wider efforts to promote peace, security and development in the North-West.
UNICEF also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting governments and partners to implement the agreed actions and improve the lives of vulnerable children and familie
