By
Muhammad Jamil Abubakar
The Gombe State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has commenced a critical review of UNICEF’s 2024 activities and the development of the 2025–2027 work plan.
The consultation, held in Gombe, aims to align UNICEF’s initiatives with the state’s development priorities, particularly in social protection, education, health, nutrition, and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
Speaking at the event, Acting Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ruth Edward Baka, emphasized the ministry’s role in coordinating development partners’ efforts within the state.
“We are here to review UNICEF’s 2024 activities and develop the 2025–2027 work plan. Our responsibility is to ensure that UNICEF’s activities align with the priorities set by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the state government,” she said.
Baka noted that the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning plays a pivotal role in integrating state government plans into UNICEF’s work.
The governor’s 2025 budget presentation to the Gombe State House of Assembly highlighted several priorities that align with UNICEF’s ongoing and future activities.
“Our major priorities include social protection, education, health, nutrition, and WASH. These are critical areas where the state government and UNICEF are working closely to make tangible impacts,” Baka explained.
Highlighting the strong partnership between the state government and UNICEF, Baka detailed several key initiatives achieved through collaboration.
” UNICEF worked with the Gombe State Committee on Food and Nutrition to develop a comprehensive strategy to address malnutrition and food insecurity.”
” UNICEF supported the state in creating policies to enhance accountability and track progress in various sectors.”
” UNICEF helped the state track health sector budgets to ensure efficient allocation of resources.”
UNICEF assisted in drafting policies aimed at safeguarding vulnerable children and improving their living conditions.”
” UNICEF supported the establishment of a coordinating and research-focused Economic Intelligence Unit within the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to monitor and evaluate the implementation of UNICEF-supported activities.”
Baka assured stakeholders of the state government’s commitment to sustaining the platforms and policies established through UNICEF’s support, even after the organization transitions from certain projects.
“The state government will continue to maintain these platforms through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. For example, NG-CARES will remain a critical resource in supporting the poor and vulnerable,” she added.
As Gombe State and UNICEF chart the course for the next three years, the focus remains on creating sustainable solutions in key sectors.
With UNICEF’s technical expertise and the state government’s commitment, the consultation is expected to yield a robust and actionable plan.
Baka expressed optimism about the collaboration’s future impact, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all initiatives contribute to the well-being of Gombe’s most vulnerable populations.
“Together, we can ensure that these programs deliver real benefits to our people, especially children and mothers,” she concluded.
The review and consultation highlight the importance of partnerships between international organizations and state governments in driving sustainable development and improving the lives of citizens.
