The Jigawa State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have signed a landmark three-year work plan (2025-2027) aimed at enhancing the protection, survival, and development of children and women in the state.
The agreement was formalized on Thursday at the Government House in Dutse, where Governor Mallam Umar Namadi and Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, signed the pact, reinforcing their long-standing partnership.
Governor Namadi reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to co-funding initiatives under the plan, particularly in critical areas such as water and sanitation, education, economic empowerment, and wealth creation. He emphasized that achieving the ambitious goals outlined in the plan would require substantial resources.
Read also: UNICEF Re-commits to Strengthening Primary Healthcare in Jigawa State
“UNICEF is the oldest development partner of Jigawa State, having consistently supported us since our creation in 1991 – that’s over three decades of unwavering commitment,” Namadi stated.
He also expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s continuous efforts in mobilizing resources and implementing impactful programs across the state. “As we sign this three-year work plan, I reiterate our unwavering commitment to its full implementation,” he added.
The governor envisioned a future where every child in Jigawa would grow up in a secure and nurturing environment, with access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
In his remarks, UNICEF’s Kano Field Office Chief, Mr. Farah, commended the Jigawa State Government for its dedication to improving the well-being of children and women, despite global challenges in donor funding.
He highlighted the state’s innovative initiatives, such as Masaki and Jakadan Lafiya in the nutrition and health sectors, as evidence of its proactive approach to sustainable development. Farah also urged the state to increase domestic funding for key sectors to reduce reliance on external aid.
Stakeholders have lauded the signing of the work plan as a significant milestone that, if effectively executed, will drive notable progress in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment across Jigawa State.
CSR Reporters will continue to track developments to ensure the initiative delivers lasting impact for children and women in the state.
