WCD: Bauchi ALGON Commits N100m to Support Child Nutrition Fund

WCD: Bauchi ALGON Commits N100m to Support Child Nutrition Fund

By Adamu IMAM, Bauchi

The Executive Chairman of Bauchi Local Government Area, Honourable Mahmood Babama'aji, has reaffirmed the twenty local council chairmen's commitment to addressing issues affecting the upbringing of children and their welfare, with the support of 100 million naira, as well as efforts to curb zero dose on immunization across Bauchi state.

He stated this at the World Children's Day celebration 2025, organized by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), held at Hazibal Suite, Bauchi.

Mahmood Babama'aji stressed the importance of providing support to the development of children's education at all levels, affirming that the state government is providing more funds to improve access to quality education as well as their welfare to perform optimally and excel.

"We are determined to ensure we provide adequate support to our children, especially in schools, for them to be able to reach their full potentials," he added, appreciating UNICEF for their dedication as partners with the local government chairmen.

And I want to inform you, recently, the twenty local government chairmen have supported the child nutrition fund with 100 million naira, and our commitment to zero dose is guaranteed and assured," he noted.

Advising the children, the ALGON Boss said, "They must have a good conduct. Before being a leader, you must be committed to your purpose and have strong dedication, confidence, humility, courage, and integrity. The road to success is very challenging, so prepare your mind to be resolute and bold."

While addressing the students on World Children's Day celebration 2025, the Commissioner of Education, Muhammad Lawal Rimin Zayam, stated that the Bauchi state government would not leave any stone unturned to ensure that every child goes to school and acquires qualitative knowledge.

In her remarks, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF Bauchi Field Officer, represented at the occasion by Dr. Oluseyi Olusande, UNICEF Health Specialist, advised the young students to rededicate themselves to education, adding that Bauchi has made improvement on mortality and immunization.

She said, "The percentage of fully immunized children between 12-23 months in Bauchi has increased from 19 percent to 51 percent." Noting that exclusive breastfeeding rates have increased from two percent to 29 percent in Nigeria.

According to her, "In Nigeria, immunization coverage has increased from 13 percent to 39 percent in 2023." She maintained that the improvement is supported by data from the National Demographic Survey of 2018 and the recent report conducted in 2023-2024, highlighting the significant milestone in vaccination coverage for children in Bauchi.