Bauchi Gov Collaborates with UNICEF, Commits N1b to Transform Lives of Children

By Adamu IMAM, Bauchi

Bauchi Gov Collaborates with UNICEF, Commits N1b to Transform Lives of Children

By Adamu IMAM, Bauchi 

Bauchi Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has reiterated his administration's commitment to transforming the lives of children and their mothers in Bauchi State, particularly in areas such as immunization, malnutrition, water sanitation and hygiene, and education, as well as reproductive and maternal child care services.

The Governor stated this while receiving the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) new country representative in a courtesy visit to Government House, Bauchi. He expressed his appreciation for UNICEF's support, citing the construction of a new oxygen plant in Ali Kwara General Hospital, Azare, at a cost of N2.5 billion.

The Governor highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the State Government to improve the health sector, including the release of the 2025 Primary Healthcare (PHC) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) counterpart fund amounting to N872 million, the release of N100 million nutrition counterpart fund to UNICEF, and an additional N200 million commitment.

He also mentioned the payment of N132 million Basic Healthcare Provision Fund counterpart for 2025 and the construction and equipping of additional 50 PHCs, three general hospitals, and over 200 PHCs.

Earlier, the UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, commended the Governor for his efforts to improve children's health, education, and well-being. She stated, "We believe our mandate is to support the government and your leadership here in Bauchi State. We are here to support children in having the best start in life, which means they get immunized, nourished, fed, and educated to earn a living."

She added, "We are fully committed to focusing on the priorities of the state and aligning with your vision. We are grateful for the state's commitment to child nutrition and education, particularly in addressing out-of-school children."

Ms. Saeed reaffirmed UNICEF's deep commitment to working with the Governor's leadership to make a difference for children.