The United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) has restated its commitment to support state governments in the South-South zone in their efforts to improve the lot of children.
UNICEF’s Chief Field, Port Harcourt Dr. Anselm Audu, said this in an address at the South-South Zonal policy Dialogue on social Budgeting for children in Port Harcourt.
Audu said said the organisation is ready to support Governments in its efforts to improve the lot of children and women.
“UNICEF stands ready to support you in these effects. We are committed to providing the technical assistance, data-driven insights and evidence based recommendations that can help translate policies into tangible outcome for children”, he stated.
Audu said UNICEF believes that by strong partnerships with Governments, stakeholders, civil societies, and other relevant actors sustainable change can be created in the society.
He stressed the need for the participants, drawn from the South-South states, to think beyond traditional paradigm and inspire each other with creative solution as children’s future depends on the decision they take.
The Chief Field Office said the dialogue offers a unique platform for sharing experiences, best practices and innovative strategies aimed at enhancing the budgetary framework.
“It is and opportunity to reflect on our achievements, examine our challenges, and collectively chart a way that ensures every naira spent is wielded to the greatest possible effect for children”, he said.
In his presentation entitled, “Social Budgeting And Fiscal Space In South South States, Evidence Challenges And Prospect For Improvement”, Dr. Mohammed Okorie, Social Policy Manager, UNICEF, said some states in Nigeria are poor in terms of basic needs of life.
Okorie also linked poor budgetting to poverty and urged states in the zone to always include the need of children in their annual budgets.
He said public investment should be increased in some essential sectors, especially in health and education, as these sectors directly affect boys and girls.
Okorie also stressed the need for policy makers in the zone to be gender sensitive, especially as it concerns women, noting that there must be increased participation of women in decision-making in the zone.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Commissioner for Budget And Economic Planning, Dr. Peter Mede, said the State Government has over the years increased its spending on health care and education for children.
Mede said currently the government has ensured that both primary and secondary schools are free in the state, while the government also paid WAEC fees for all children in public schools in the state.
On her part, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, said Government is determined to ensure maximum performance of the health sector in the state.
Oreh said the government is currently embarking on the completion of some abandoned zonal hospitals in the state
She specifically said the abandoned Zonal General Hospitals at Bori, Omoku, Degema, Ahoada, and the Bonny are currently receiving attention from the State Government, while work will start on the Okehi Zonal Hospital next year.
Oreh said General Hospitals will receive attention from the State Government next year.
The Commissioner also said ban on the promotion of health workers that has remain for years has been lifted, while the Board of the state contributory health insurance has been inaugurated by the Governor and the programme has commenced.
She said health training institutions in the state have also been equipped.
In his presentation, Dr. Olusoji Akinloye, Chief of UNICEF Field Office, commended the effort of the Cross River State Government in the provisions of basic needs to children.
He said Cross River State has done well in all ramifications and urged other states in the zone to follow suit.

John Bibor