Kaduna Govt Calls For Improved Protection, Education, Welfare For Children

Kaduna State Government involving stakeholders and partners on Thursday November 20, marked the 2025 World Children’s Day, with a clarion call for improved protection, education and welfare systems for children across the state.

The event which was organised by the Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development was in collaboration with UNICEF, and held with the theme, “My Day, My Rights.”

It also aligns with UNICEF’s Global Day of Action Commemorating the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Chief Field Office in Kaduna, Dr. Gerida Birukila, advised that children’s rights in Nigeria are increasingly under threat due to insecurity, climate shocks and declining resources.

She revealed findings from the newly launched Nigerian Child 2025 Report were shocking.

According to her, "nearly half of Nigerian children live in income poverty, 70 per cent of households lack access to safe drinking water, and 40 per cent of children under five are stunted."

Birukila added that newborn mortality stands at 41 per 1,000 live births, maternal mortality at 1,047 per 100,000 live births, while 90 per cent of children have experienced violence.

She further noted that 10.2 million primary-aged and 8.1 million secondary-aged children are out of school, while 73 per cent of children aged 7–14 cannot read basic sentences and 75 per cent cannot solve simple mathematics problems.

“With half of Nigeria’s population under 18, the need for child-centred policies is urgent,” she stressed, calling for sustained political commitment to end child poverty.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, said the day provides an opportunity to recommit to building a society where every child can survive, thrive and learn.

She said Governor Uba Sani’s administration is strengthening community-based child protection structures, expanding welfare services, supporting children with disabilities, and investing in health, nutrition and early childhood development.

“Kaduna State remains committed to making children’s rights a lived reality through targeted policies and programmes,” she stressed 

In his address, Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, cautioned against misleading children with inaccurate information about their rights and emphasised the government’s progress in reopening over 500 schools previously shut due to insecurity.

He said the presence of public school pupils at the celebration highlights the impact of government investment in school infrastructure, teacher training and improved remuneration.

Maiyaki reiterated that child rights recognised by UNICEF are also enshrined in the Kaduna State Child Protection and Welfare Law of 2018.

He proposed a partnership between the Ministry of Information and UNICEF to train journalists on child-rights reporting, describing it as essential to accountability.

The commissioner also raised concerns about UNICEF’s report that 10.1 million Nigerian children are out of school, with 70–80 per cent of them in northern states.

He urged the media to monitor budget performance in the education sector to ensure that children’s rights are fully realised.

The event featured presentations by pupils from various public schools, who showcased their understanding of child rights and expressed hopes for safer environments, better learning conditions and brighter futures.

Schools that took part in the celebration include Sheikh Gumi Primary School, Association of Orphanage Homes, Army Children School, Ungwan Sarki Primary School, Research Model School, Sabon Gari Primary School, Ibrahim Taiwo Road Primary School, UBE Tudun Wada Primary School and LGEA Lokoja Road Primary School, Rigasa.