By Milcah Tanimu

The Gombe State government has made an appeal to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to continue its impactful interventions in education, health, nutrition, and other crucial sectors throughout the state. The Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Aishatu Maigari, emphasized the comprehensive nature of UNICEF’s interventions, ensuring that no child is left behind.

Speaking in Gombe, the state capital, Commissioner Maigari highlighted education, health, and nutrition as key areas of focus for collaboration with humanitarian organizations to enhance the well-being of the state’s citizens. She expressed satisfaction with UNICEF’s involvement in initiatives such as the safe school initiative, teaching at the right level, training of EMIS (Education Management Information System) officers, and the review/development of sector plans.

Maigari stated, “We are happy with UNICEF’s intervention…in all of these interventions, no child has been left behind, and this also extends to health, nutrition, and maternal/child care. As a government, we will continue to partner to ensure the sustenance of these interventions in our state.”

Dr. Clement Adams, the Officer-in-Charge of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, provided insights during the 2023 end-of-year review meeting where the commissioner spoke. The meeting, attended by governments and partners from Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, and Plateau states, aimed to reflect on the year’s activities and develop draft activities for 2024.

Dr. Adams explained, “We are looking at what we have been doing and also developing a work plan for next year. We also want to see where we recorded successes, what contributed to it, and also see where we need to make amends.” The collaborative efforts between the state government and UNICEF are essential for sustaining positive outcomes and addressing areas that require improvement.