From ABBAS GUNGURA, Bauchi
The Commissioner, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Gombe State, Salisu Baba Alkali, has enjoined media practitioners in Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe states covering activities of Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), to use their media to fight child poverty in the region.
The Budget and Planning Commissioner made the statement while presenting a goodwill message at a two day Media Dialogue on child poverty for Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe states organised by UNICEF Bauchi Field Office held at Evolution Hotel Gombe recently.
The commissioner, while calling on the media to do justice to the entire sub region, also lamented that despite its huge potentials, the North-East sub region has been contending with poor human development indicators in virtually all areas.
According to him, this is compounded by the activities of insurgency and massive influx of people from conflict areas that surround the sub region, a development that has affected the impact of the modest gains the people are making.
“As you are aware, the Media Chat on Child Poverty is in line with current developmental priorities of our dear geo-political zone.Therefore, the need for your immense contribution to the improvement of child development can not be over emphasised,” he said.
According to him, “In this regard, the government and people of Gombe, Adamawa and Bauchi states are overwhelmed by this development as its timely to brainstorm and harness ideas on how to tackle the menace and reduce the indices of child poverty in the region. I commend UNICEF for their tireless support especially in the North East states of Gombe, Adamawa and Bauchi.”
According to him, “The presence of this noble people from Bauchi. Adamawa in Gombe State at this time is a clear demonstration of the UNICEF administration’s drive.”
Salisu Baba used the forum to commend UNICEF for choosing Gombe State to be the host state for this Media dialogue. He further assured UNICEF of Gombe State Government’s full support and partnership to ensure maximum benefit for the North East states and the country at large.
He however, urged all the participants to deliberately and frankly take decisions and ensure that the objectives for which this dialogue was designed will translate to measurable result.
Salisu informed the gathering that we are here to shed light on a critical issue that demands our immediate attention – child poverty in the focus states of Bauchi FO.
“As we come together to discuss and raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in these regions, let us remember that every child deserves a fair chance at a bright future.
Let us amplify their voices, advocate for their rights, and strive to build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Together, we can make a difference. Let us stand united in our commitment to combat child poverty and create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Also in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Adamawa State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Enoch Amos, said that, “It is with great pleasure and a sense of urgency that we gather here today at the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office Media Dialogue. We are here to shed light on a critical issue that demands our immediate attention – child poverty in the focus states of Bauchi, Gombe and Adamawa.
“As we come together to discuss and raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in these regions, let us remember that every child deserves a fair chance at a bright future. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no child is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control,” he said
He used the occasion to on behalf of Adamawa State Government, Commend UNICEF Bauchi Field office for initiating and executing viable developmental programs in the region and Adamawa State in particular.
