By Khalid Idris Doya
Bauchi State's 20 local government chairmen have jointly contributed N100 million to the Child Nutrition Fund, demonstrating their commitment to improving child welfare across the state.
This was stated by Hon. Mahmoud Baba Maaji, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Bauchi State, and Executive Chairman of Bauchi Local Government, during the World Children's Day (WCD) on Thursday organised by UNICEF Bauchi Field office under the theme, "My Day, My Rights."
Hon. Babamaaji emphasised the chairmen's dedication to ensuring zero loss among children and providing adequate support for their education and overall development.
"We are fully committed to supporting children, particularly in schools, to help them reach their full potential. In addition, we are determined to ensure no child is left unimmunised," he stated.
He also highlighted the establishment of the enrollment rights campaign committee, comprising traditional, religious, and community leaders, to address the issue of out-of-school children, "The campaign is progressing well, and we are encouraged by the results we are beginning to see," he added.
To ensure proper planning and execution, Babamaaji noted that only Bauchi local government area has allocated N101 million in the 2025 budget to cover three priority areas including food and child nutrition, immunization and child welfare, and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), including exclusive breastfeeding.
On the matter of birth registration, he revealed that ALGON at the national level has fully engaged in the initiative, with designated desk officers across all 774 local governments in Nigeria.
He further mentioned that many local governments in the state have been validated as Open Defecation-Free (ODF) areas, and continuous monitoring and budgeting are in place to sustain the achievement.
Babamaaji urged children to pursue quality education and uphold good conduct, "Beyond your dreams, cultivate confidence, honesty, humility, courage, and integrity, these are the pillars of true leadership," he said.
The chairman also commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his dedication, and consistent support for the development of children in Bauchi State, enabling local governments to achieve significant milestones. He praised UNICEF for being a reliable partner in these initiatives.
Also speaking, Dr. Muhammad Lawan Rimin Zayam, the state Commissioner for Education, reaffirmed the state government's commitment to child welfare, particularly in education, health, water, sanitation, and hygiene.
He assured continued support for programs aimed at promoting the well-being and growth of Bauchi’s children.
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