UNICEF advocates stronger media campaign for increased investment in children

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for stronger media advocacy to push governments and political candidates to prioritise children in public budgets and translate financial commitments into better services ahead of the 2027 elections.

The agency urged journalists in Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau states to use their platforms to advocate for increased funding, demand accountability and amplify the voices of vulnerable children, rather than reporting government budgets and announcements.

The UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Bauchi, Dr Nuzhat Rafiq, represented by Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ibrahim Ado, made the call Tuesday at a one-day media dialogue on public financing for children in Bauchi.
“Journalists play a very important role in helping us achieve our goals in different sectors of children and women’s welfare,” Mr Ado quoted Ms Rafiq as saying.

She urged journalists to challenge political candidates to make clear and measurable commitments to addressing issues affecting children and women as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

UNICEF said persistent challenges, including out-of-school children, malnutrition, inadequate healthcare and poor access to water, sanitation and hygiene, require stronger government attention and sustained public investment.

The agency’s Social Policy Specialist, Yusuf Auta, called for greater scrutiny of government spending, stressing that budget allocations alone do not guarantee improved services for children.

“After the budgetary allocations, how much has been released? After spending, what is the result? That is where real progress is assessed,” Mr Auta said.