The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has consistently demonstrated a resolute commitment to improving the lives of children and families in Nigeria. Through strategic partnerships, targeted interventions, and collaboration with media professionals, UNICEF has created impactful programs aimed at ensuring every child has access to essential services and opportunities to thrive.
From antenatal care to postnatal support, UNICEF’s initiatives cater to the holistic needs of children and their mothers. Recognizing that maternal health is crucial for child development, the organization advocates for comprehensive care at all stages, from conception through delivery and beyond. Programs promoting exclusive breastfeeding, family planning, and nutritional support underscore this approach.
Post-delivery, UNICEF’s focus shifts to child development, ensuring access to good nutrition, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. These interventions are critical in fostering a supportive environment for children to grow and achieve their full potential.
In Nigeria, UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office (BFO) has taken significant strides in amplifying these efforts. By engaging a cohort of trained journalists, the BFO has effectively raised awareness of child health, maternal welfare, and general well-being. This collaboration has galvanized government and private sector actions, addressing pressing concerns and driving policy changes.
UNICEF’s recognition of the media’s influential power is evident in its partnership with the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME). This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2024, seeks to harness media platforms to promote and protect children’s rights. UNICEF Nigeria Representative Cristian Munduate lauded the partnership, stating, “By joining forces, we are setting a course to transform how children’s rights are reported and addressed in the media, ensuring every child’s rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.”
The BFO’s community-driven initiatives, such as Mama2Mama and Fathers for Health (F4H), have bolstered grassroots mobilization for healthcare services. These programs have significantly improved immunization coverage, addressing zero-dose challenges and mitigating preventable diseases.
Additionally, UNICEF BFO has provided platforms for children to advocate for their rights directly to policymakers, as seen in engagements with the Bauchi State House of Assembly and the State First Lady, Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed. These interactions have amplified children’s voices and influenced government interventions.
UNICEF’s 2024 milestones include engaging celebrities like Ali Nuhu and Kate Henshaw to champion immunization campaigns. This approach has heightened public awareness and encouraged participation in health initiatives. The organization’s technical support to the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board has also facilitated the establishment of sustainable community health structures.
UNICEF BFO’s media dialogues have addressed critical issues, including child nutrition, immunization, education, and sanitation. These engagements equip journalists with current data and insights, enabling them to craft impactful stories that drive societal and policy changes.
In November 2024, a media dialogue focusing on child mortality in Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba States emphasized the socio-economic and health impacts of the issue, urging collective action from stakeholders.
UNICEF’s construction of a multimillion-naira pressure swing absorption (PSA) medical oxygen plant and a Level 2 newborn care unit at Azare General Hospital, in collaboration with IHS Nigeria and the Government of Canada, exemplifies its commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure.
The unwavering dedication of UNICEF BFO and its partners was aptly summarized by Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of the Bauchi Field Office, during the launch of the 2024 MNCH Week in Gombe State: “The main focus of UNICEF is to ensure that children and women live healthy lives, reaching their full potentials in life.”
Through its comprehensive programs and strategic collaborations, UNICEF continues to lay the foundation for a healthier, brighter future for Nigeria’s children and families.
The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bauchi City Chapter has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to community service through the successful implementation of its 2025 "Impact a Baby with a Smile 2.0" project under the organization's "Empowering Mothers for a Brighter Future” campaign.
In a press statement signed and issued by JCI Bauchi City Director of Communications, JC Ayanwale Emmanuel Solomon, it was revealed that gifts were presented at the Specialist Hospital and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi. This gesture brought hope, joy, and much-needed support to families and newborns as part of the New Year celebrations.
During the event, the convener and organizer of the project, JC Akintunde Tajudeen Taiwo, anipr, President of JCI Bauchi City, emphasized the significance of the initiative in aligning with JCI Nigeria's 2025 theme of ‘Elevate (#Elev8)’, under the leadership of National President Toyin Atanda, and JCI Bauchi City’s mandate for the year, ‘Empowered to Innovate and Inspired to Lead (#E2II2L)’.
“This project aims to celebrate life, provide essential support to newborns and their families, and empower mothers with the knowledge and tools to nurture their children effectively. By focusing on healthy beginnings, we hope to foster a brighter future for our community,” said JC Akintunde.
Gifts and cash were presented to the family of the first baby of the year at Specialist Hospital Bauchi, alongside support for 10 other families at both Specialist Hospital and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.
While appreciating the former leadership of JCI Bauchi City, JC Akintunde Tajudeen Taiwo stated that JCI is open for collaboration with the government, philanthropists, agencies, NGOs, media, and other well-meaning individuals for sponsorship and partnership. He stressed that, “Together, we can continue this initiative and execute other programs for the benefit of the people of Bauchi State.”
Goodwill messages were delivered by JCI Ambassador Iliyia Kauta, the pioneer of the "Impact a Baby with a Smile" initiative, and Rt Hon. Aisha Adam Bappah, Deputy Speaker of the Bauchi State Youth Parliament and CEO of Aisha Bappa Life Foundation (ALFO). They commended JCI Bauchi City for their dedication to making a difference in the community and emphasized that the initiative embodies the spirit of service and hope that JCI represents.
The initiative also featured an educational session on postnatal care, equipping mothers with essential knowledge to ensure their children’s health and well-being.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed their appreciation for the initiative. Abdulrahman Aliyu, one of the caregivers of a baby that benefited from the JCI initiative, said, “Alhamdulillah, this gesture is a blessing, especially in these challenging economic times. It has brought joy to my family.” Another recipient, Aisha Bello, added, “JCI Bauchi City has given us more than gifts—they have given us hope. We are truly grateful for this act of kindness.”
JCI is a global non-profit organization of enterprising young leaders aged 18 to 40 who are dedicated to creating a sustainable impact in their communities. Through innovative initiatives, JCI members collaborate to solve pressing challenges and empower individuals for a brighter future.
