"UNICEF, Kebbi State Collaborate on Child Protection, Emergency Response"

By Umar Faruk 

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria - September 23, 2025 (Series News Online)

The UNICEF Representative and the DRO paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Umar Abubakar, yesterday evening. The high-level meeting focused on key development priorities, including social health insurance, the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), and the pressing issue of out-of-school children.

During the visit, the Deputy Governor and the UNICEF Representative officially launched two critical documents: the Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Coordinated Response to Sudden Onset Emergencies in Kebbi State. These frameworks aim to strengthen child protection systems and enhance emergency preparedness and response across the state.

The UNICEF Representative highlighted the importance of the guidelines and SOPs, saying, "These documents will help us ensure that children in Kebbi State receive the care and protection they deserve, especially in times of crisis." The Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar, expressed his appreciation for UNICEF's support, stating, "We are committed to working with UNICEF to improve the lives of our children and communities."

As part of UNICEF's strategic efforts to ensure the successful roll-out of the integrated Measles-Rubella and Polio campaign planned for October, the Representative handed over 285 vaccine carriers and 81 cold chain boxes to the Kebbi State Government. This equipment will help strengthen the state's cold chain system, enabling the effective storage and transportation of vaccines.

The UNICEF Representative emphasized the importance of the campaign, saying, "The integrated Measles-Rubella and Polio campaign is a critical step towards protecting children from these vaccine-preventable diseases. We are committed to supporting the Kebbi State Government in this effort."

The Deputy Governor assured the UNICEF Representative of the state's commitment to supporting the campaign, stating, "We will work closely with UNICEF and other partners to ensure the success of this campaign and improve the health and well-being of our children."