The Zamfara State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched key strategic initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of children and other vulnerable groups across the state.
The new initiatives include a 5-year Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Strategy on Child Nutrition (2025–2030) and an implementation strategy for the state’s Alternative Childcare Guidelines. Both documents are designed to strengthen child nutrition, enhance community awareness, and standardize care and protection services for vulnerable children throughout Zamfara State.
Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mummuni, who represented Governor Dauda Lawal, unveiled the strategic documents at Government House, Gusau and was joined by UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, who led the UNICEF delegation on a courtesy visit to the governor.
Malam Mummuni expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s longstanding partnership, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to providing the enabling environment and institutional support necessary for successful implementation of all joint interventions.
“We really value UNICEF’s long-standing partnership and commitment to improving the lives of children and vulnerable populations across our state,” he said.
“Your support continues to complement our administration’s rescue and development agenda, especially in addressing the needs of displaced children, increasing school enrollment, expanding immunization coverage, and improving service delivery in rural areas.”
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, called for strengthened collaboration with UNICEF in three priority areas expected to accelerate gains for women and children.
These include, Construction of child-friendly model classrooms built to UNICEF standards, similar to successful models implemented in Bangladesh and Partnership to establish child-friendly healthcare facilities in each of the state’s three senatorial districts.
Also to Support for comprehensive data generation, particularly a state-wide household survey in 2026, to improve evidence-based planning, budgeting and targeted investments in children and women.
Earlier in her remarks, UNICEF Country Representative Ms. Wafaa Saeed commended Governor Lawal’s administration for paying the N500 million nutrition programme counterpart funding and for its continued investment in human resources for both health and education sectors.
In a statement issued by Sulaiman Ahmad Tudu, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the SSG, he noted that the UNICEF team was at Government House to better understand government priorities and align their support accordingly.
According to Ms. Saeed, Zamfara State has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment, especially in ensuring adequate human resources for health and education.
