2027: UNICEF tasks media on children’s welfare, public financing

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

Ahead of the 2027 general election, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the media to put children at the centre of political discourse by demanding greater public financing and holding candidates and policymakers accountable for their plans on health, education and child protection.

UNICEF said the electioneering period presented an opportunity for journalists to interrogate candidates on how they intend to address challenges confronting children, including inadequate healthcare, out-of-school children, stigmatisation and other social protection concerns.

Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, made the call at a one-day Media Dialogue on Public Finance for Children in Bauchi.

The programme was organised by the Bauchi State Government, through the Ministry for Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, in collaboration with UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, and attracted 60 media practitioners from Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau states.

Rafique, who was represented by UNICEF Education Specialist and Officer-in-Charge of the Bauchi Field Office, Abdulrahman Ado, said the media should use the approaching elections to make financing for children an important campaign issue.

“We know where we are heading to; 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,” she said.

She urged journalists to ask candidates and policymakers critical questions about their plans and funding commitments for the social sector.

“Public finance for children is key as we address issues surrounding out-of-school children, stigmatisation and other challenges affecting children,” she said.

Rafique said while UNICEF and other development partners would continue to support governments, their financial contributions were relatively small compared with the resources available to government.

She consequently challenged the media to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations to interrogating actual releases, utilisation and impact on children.

“A huge amount of money is allocated, but what about the impact? Policymakers and the media should ask questions to understand the reality so that in subsequent interactions with policymakers and candidates, we will know the plans they have for the social sector, including child protection and health,” she said.

Also speaking, Managing Director of Bauchi Radio Corporation and Zonal Chairman, Zone B, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Umar Muhammad Shira, said the media had a 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.

“Every child deserves access to quality and affordable healthcare, regardless of their location or family background,” Shira said.

According to him, responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and sustained engagement with policymakers could expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.

“Investing in children’s health is not simply an expenditure; it is an investment in the future of our society. When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.

Shira urged journalists to make children’s rights and welfare a sustained priority in their newsrooms and use their platforms to push for policies that improve their wellbeing.

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