The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has unveiled troubling statistics regarding child poverty in Kano State, revealing that a staggering 69.2% of children are classified as multi-dimensionally poor. This revelation was made by Fatima Musa, a Social Policy Specialist at UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, during a media dialogue held on Friday in Zaria.
Key Findings on Child Poverty
Musa’s presentation was part of a broader discussion focusing on Children’s Advocacy Priorities for media and program managers from Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states. She provided a comprehensive overview of the dire situation facing children in the region, noting that 69.2% of children aged 0-17 years are affected by multi-dimensional poverty. Additionally, she reported that 59.5% of these children are considered monetarily poor, highlighting a significant economic struggle among families.
The data shared by Musa underscores the alarming trend of child poverty across Nigeria, with the highest incidences reported in the North-East and North-West regions. “In these areas, around 90% of children live in poverty,” she stated, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. Conversely, the South-East and South-West regions show lower poverty rates, with 74% and 65.1%, respectively.
Musa further detailed that all states are facing child multi-dimensional poverty (MPI) rates above 50%, with particularly severe conditions in Bayelsa, Gombe, Sokoto, and Kebbi states, where poverty levels exceed 95%.
The UNCRC and Its Implications
Referencing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), Musa highlighted the responsibilities of parents and families in the care and protection of children, as well as the state’s obligation to support these roles. “The primary role of parents and family is crucial, but the government must also step in to ensure children’s rights are upheld,” she remarked.
Urgent Call for Action
In light of these distressing statistics, Musa urged government officials at all levels to increase budgetary allocations for child-focused interventions. “Addressing child poverty requires a multi-faceted approach,” she said. “We need to invest in quality education, access to clean water, adequate healthcare, safe housing, child protection, and robust social safety nets.”
She praised both Katsina and Kano states for their willingness to embrace Universal Child Benefits, emphasizing that this initiative could play a pivotal role in combating child poverty. “This development comes at a critical time, aimed specifically at addressing the challenges faced by children in these regions,” she noted.
The Role of Media in Advocacy
Samuel Kaalu, UNICEF’s Communication Specialist in the Kano Field Office, echoed Musa’s sentiments, calling on media practitioners to prioritize issues affecting the welfare of women and children in their reporting. He stressed the importance of addressing violence against children, which often goes unnoticed or is denied in many communities.
Kaalu urged media outlets to increase public awareness regarding the prevalence of violence against children, stating, “It is essential to enlighten the public about these issues to foster a safer environment for our children.” He also highlighted the importance of encouraging families to enroll their children in school, emphasizing that education is a crucial element in breaking the cycle of poverty.
The findings shared by UNICEF underscore a pressing need for collective action to address child poverty in Kano State and beyond. By focusing on comprehensive strategies that include education, health, and protection, as well as robust media engagement, there is hope for a brighter future for Nigeria’s children. The call for increased government support and community involvement is more critical now than ever to ensure that every child can thrive.
