**Multi-dimensionally poor children in Nigeria: A call to action for a better future**
The news reveals alarming statistics on child poverty in Nigeria, highlighting the plight of children in the country. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 69.2% of children in Kano State are considered multi-dimensionally poor. These figures call for urgent action to improve the living conditions of this young population.
Fatima Musa, Social Policy Specialist at UNICEF Kano Field Office, highlighted during a media dialogue that nearly 70% of children aged 0-17 were in a situation of multi-dimensional poverty, while 59.5% lived in monetary poverty. These figures reveal the urgency of concerted action to provide a better future for these vulnerable children.
The geographical distribution of the data reveals a concentration of child poverty in the North-East and North-West regions, where 90% of children suffer the effects of poverty. This reality highlights the socio-economic inequalities that persist in the country and underlines the need for targeted intervention to support these marginalized populations.
Faced with this worrying situation, the UNCRC advocates for strengthened protection of children’s rights and increased commitment by governments to provide child-centered interventions. Increasing budgetary investments in key areas such as quality education, access to drinking water, health care, decent housing and child protection is essential to combat child poverty.
Among the avenues considered to combat this scourge, UNICEF highlights the concept of Universal Child Benefits, a commendable initiative that aims to guarantee a social safety net for disadvantaged children. This innovative approach, already being adopted by Katsina and Kano states, offers hope for positive change for children affected by poverty.
As media, it is our duty to pay close attention to issues related to the well-being of women and children, raise awareness of violence against the most vulnerable and promote the importance of education for all. By giving a voice to those who are often voiceless, we can help bring about positive change for future generations.
Ultimately, the fight against child poverty in Nigeria cannot be achieved without collective action and a strong commitment to the well-being of children. By investing in the future of our youth, we are investing in a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous future for allIt is time to act, raise awareness and make the voices of the most vulnerable heard to build a better world for all.