Bauchi State Government and UNICEF Sign 2025 Annual Work Plan
By, Abdulwahab Muhammad Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government, through the Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, has signed the 2025 annual work plan with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The agreement formalizes their commitment to advancing key development sectors in the state.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, emphasized that the work plan was jointly developed with relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders. The priority areas include health, education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), nutrition, as well as societal and behavioral change. She called on all stakeholders to provide the necessary support and cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of the work plan's activities.
Dr. Rafique also highlighted UNICEF’s ongoing commitment to supporting Bauchi State in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly those related to child welfare and maternal health. She noted that the work plan incorporates evidence-based strategies to address challenges such as malnutrition, out-of-school children, and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hajia Amina Katagum, commended UNICEF for its continuous partnership and support, particularly in child-related programs. She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing the needed backing to ensure efficiency and improved service delivery while addressing existing gaps. She further stressed that the government would allocate necessary resources and work closely with local communities to maximize the plan’s impact.
Also present at the event were representatives from key government ministries, civil society organizations, and development partners. They expressed optimism that the collaboration would lead to significant improvements in health, education, and social welfare services across the state.
The signing of the work plan marks a renewed commitment by both parties to achieving shared objectives that will enhance development in Bauchi State. The partnership is expected to drive impactful projects that will benefit children and vulnerable populations in the state throughout the year. Regular progress reviews and monitoring mechanisms will be implemented to ensure transparency and effective execution of the plan’s initiatives.
End