Katsina State and the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) have officially signed a multi-year work plan (MYWP) for 2025 to 2027, aimed at building a brighter, healthier, and more inclusive future for the state's youth and women.
The signing ceremony, held on April 10, 2025, saw UNICEF’s field officer, Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, speak on behalf of Dr. Sereke Seyoum Deres, UNICEF’s Health Manager, expressing the agency’s commitment to supporting initiatives that will benefit the most vulnerable populations in Katsina.
"This work plan is more than a document — it’s a shared commitment to build a brighter, healthier, and more inclusive future for every child in Katsina State," Farah stated. He further commended Governor Radda’s administration for its proactive approach to children-centered initiatives, particularly the groundbreaking Hadaka and MCH-Track programs, which have been pivotal in improving healthcare and education for children in the region.
UNICEF emphasized the importance of increasing the state’s financial investment in crucial sectors, including health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and child protection. The agency also stressed the need to eliminate polio in Katsina by 2025, tackle the growing issue of out-of-school children, and accelerate efforts to declare the state Open Defecation Free (ODF). If achieved, Katsina would become the second state in Nigeria to hold this prestigious status.
Farah also called for the prioritization of a universal child grant scheme and the enactment of a robust social protection framework, which could be facilitated through the state’s State Development Plan and the newly approved social protection policy. "As we sign this plan today, we are not just setting goals — we are making a promise to every child in Katsina that they will not be left behind," Farah added.
Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to child welfare and expressed his gratitude to UNICEF for their continued support and partnership. He emphasized that this collaboration would drive sustainable development, ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of a better future for all in Katsina State.
The MYWP marks a significant step toward addressing some of the most pressing issues facing children in Katsina, with a strong focus on health, education, and social welfare.
