Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
GUSAU, Nigeria – The Zamfara State Government has unveiled two major child-centred strategies aimed at improving nutrition, protection and welfare for vulnerable populations across the state.
The initiatives include a five-year Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) strategy on child nutrition (2025–2030) and a plan for implementing the state’s alternative childcare guidelines.
Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mummuni launched the strategic documents on Tuesday on behalf of Governor Dauda Lawal, alongside UNICEF Country Representative Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, who led a delegation on an official visit.
The initiatives, developed with UNICEF support, form a critical part of Zamfara’s effort to address malnutrition, strengthen child protection services and expand access to care for displaced and vulnerable children.
The Deputy Governor praised UNICEF as a long-standing partner and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to providing the institutional backing needed for effective implementation.
He highlighted ongoing interventions funded by the state, including expanded immunisation coverage, support for displaced families and improvement of service delivery in rural areas. Saeed commended the prompt release of N500 million in counterpart funding for nutrition programmes, describing Zamfara’s leadership commitment as “exemplary.”
Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, urged UNICEF to deepen collaboration in priority areas, including constructing child-friendly classrooms, establishing child-friendly health facilities in all three senatorial districts and improving evidence-based data for planning and resource allocation.
He revealed plans for a comprehensive state household survey in 2026.
The state also commissioned a new Sexual Assault Referral Centre at King Fahad General Hospital, named after First Lady Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal. The centre will provide medical, psychosocial, legal and livelihood support for survivors of sexual violence.
Officials say the centre demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening gender-based violence response systems and ensuring accessible support for survivors statewide.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
Chukwu Obinna 
