Bauchi, UNICEF move to jointly address humanitarian crises, social services

By Rauf Oyewole

The Bauchi State Government in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office have expressed readiness to jointly tackle humanitarian crises to assist the less privileged. 

This was disclosed during a visit by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajara Wanka, to UNICEF office in Bauchi to address humanitarian needs and promote social protection. 

The Chief of Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique reiterated the UN Agency’s corporation to advance humanitarian services in the state.

The Chief of field Officer Nuzhat Rafique said that the collaboration involves both technical support, liaison, and alignment on key humanitarian and social protection objectives.

She stated that UNICEF is ready to partner with the Ministry in the areas of social protection and humanitarian policy, education, and sensitisation. 

She added that the partnership could not have come at a better time than now and will go a long way in tackling and addressing most of the humanitarian issues. 

The Chief of field officer also Commended the role played by the state government in bettering the lives of vulnerable persons and improving the lot of humanitarian aid workers.

Wanka expressed the Ministry's interest in partnering with UNICEF in the area of humanitarian services and other critical areas of humanitarian interventions

She added that due to the vast mandate of the Ministry she deemed it fit to seek the support of UNICEF especially now that the office had outlined very critical areas including humanitarian and social protections to leverage on their experience and expertise and enable her to deliver on her mandate.

Hajara Wanka added that the goal of the Ministry is to build a resilient Bauchi State where the impacts of disasters are mitigated, and the dignity and well-being of all affected and vulnerable populations are upheld and government is committed and ready to supporting and protection of vulnerable children, those affected by conflict, displacement, poverty, and disasters.