By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Media practitioners have been challenged to leverage their platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections to campaign for adequate public financing of children’s welfare and ensure child-related issues dominate government policies and budgets.
The call was made during a one-day Media Dialogue on Public Finance for Children held at the Yimir Hotel in Bauchi.
The event was organised by the Bauchi State Government, through the Ministry for Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Bauchi Field Office.
The dialogue drew media practitioners from Bauchi, Gombe, and Plateau states as part of UNICEF’s ongoing advocacy to strengthen social sector funding.
Speaking at the event, Umar Muhammad Shira, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation and Zonal Chairman (Zone B) of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), emphasised that the press holds a critical social responsibility to champion the rights, health, and welfare of children.
“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets,” Shira said.
He noted that funding the social sector is a vital investment for the country, adding, “When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow.”
Shira urged journalists to utilise investigative journalism, public enlightenment, and constructive engagement to expose funding gaps, amplify vulnerable voices, and hold duty-bearers accountable.
In her opening remarks, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office represented by Abdulrahman Ado, Education Specialist and Officer-in-Charge highlighted that robust social policy is vital to improving children’s wellbeing.
She noted that the political activities leading up to the 2027 elections present a strategic opportunity for the press to put children’s issues at the forefront of public discourse.
“Electioneering is on the way. Let’s talk about financing for children. The media is key to understanding our mission at this time as you engage the government, politicians and candidates,” Rafique stated.
She observed that while development partners continue to support the government, their financial contributions are minimal compared to total state resources.
She urged both policymakers and the media to scrutinize the actual impact of budget allocations, ensuring subsequent interactions with political candidates demand concrete plans for child protection and healthcare.
