Child Poverty on the Rise in Kano State: UNICEF Sounds the Alarm
In a startling revelation, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that 69.2% of children in Kano State, Nigeria are multi-dimensionally poor. According to Fatima Musa, a Social Policy Specialist with the UNICEF Kano Field Office, this staggering figure is a clear indication of the deep-seated poverty plaguing the state’s children.
Musa revealed that the poverty index is highest in the North-East and North-West geo-political zones, where a whopping 90% of children are affected. Conversely, the South-East and South-West zones fare slightly better, with 74% and 65.1% of children experiencing poverty respectively.
The alarming statistics come as no surprise to Musa, who has warned that child poverty can be reduced by providing quality education, access to water, healthcare services, shelter, child protection, and social safety nets. The social policy specialist also praised Katsina and Kano states for accepting Universal Child Benefits and expressing interest in piloting the program, aimed at addressing child poverty.
Musa urged governments at all levels to increase budgetary allocation for children-focused interventions, citing the dire need for action. Her plea resonated with Samuel Kaalu, UNICEF Communication Specialist, Kano Field Office, who emphasized the importance of media attention on issues affecting the wellbeing of women and children.
Kaalu called on media practitioners to give equal attention to the issue of violence against children, stressing that such occurrences often go unnoticed or unreported. He further emphasized the significance of media support in raising public awareness about the importance of enrolling children in school.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) emphasizes the critical role of parents and families in child care and protection, while also emphasizing the state’s obligation to assist them in carrying out these duties.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial that policymakers and stakeholders work together to address the pervasive issue of child poverty in Kano State and across Nigeria. Only through concerted efforts can we ensure that every child has access to the basic necessities for a happy, healthy, and productive life.
