The United Nations Children’s Fund in Borno has called for increased psycho-social support and protection services for children affected by conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
The Chief of Borno Field Office, Mr. Maulid Warfa, said this on Friday during an event to commemorate World Children’s Day in Maiduguri.
According to Warfa, the commemoration provided an opportunity for children to reimagine a better future for themselves and for government and development partners to listen to their ideas.
While lauding support from the European Union, Education Cannot Wait, Norwegian Embassy, and United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Warfa said UNICEF would continue to partner with the state government to provide quality education, health, and welfare services to children.
“UNICEF is already supporting the government with funding from donors to ensure that the impact of disruptions to education and immunization schedules during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown is reversed.
As we plan for the next two years, we want to listen to you and your ideas. For interventions to be successful, it must include inputs from children. We value our partnership with the state government, and we will continue to support conflict-affected children,’’ he said.
At the event, children from internally displaced person camps presented creative art materials showcasing their dreams and visions to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zuwaira Gambo.
Gambo said the state government has demonstrated commitment to supporting children with investments in critical areas such as education, women empowerment, and health.
“You are our future leaders. That is why every day is children’s day in Borno.
“You will determine the direction of this country and how peaceful our society will be. We will continue to support you to achieve your dreams,’’ she said.
