By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Bauchi Field Office, in collaboration with the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget, Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, has introduced a groundbreaking initiative to engage policymakers on budget performance, with a focus on provisions that benefit children and youths in the state. Dubbed “U-Reporters,” this innovative program aims to empower young undergraduates to actively participate in the state’s budget processes and implementation.
As part of strengthening the initiative, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office recently conducted a one-day orientation training for the young advocates. The training sought to equip them with the skills to effectively engage policymakers, implementers, and other key stakeholders in advocating for improved budget allocations, timely releases, and implementation of children and youth-sensitive needs.
UNICEF’s Social Policy Specialist Yusuf Auta emphasized that the young advocates would serve as crucial links between policymakers and the community, pushing for enhanced services in education, health, nutrition, social protection, water sanitation, and hygiene – all vital for children’s well-being.
Representatives from the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination Sadeeq Usman welcomed the U-Reporters initiative, expressing optimism that the program would strengthen the state’s budget processes and performance, ultimately benefiting the citizens, especially children.
The UNICEF Communications Officer Opeyemi Olagunju highlighted the pivotal role young advocates play in influencing resource allocation for children and youths, urging the U-Reporters to champion good governance and advocate for increased investment in child-sensitive sectors.
During the training, participants engaged in lively discussions on state budget development and different types of budgets, gaining valuable insights into the annual allocation, expenditure, and control of state financial resources.
Participants expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to engage policymakers, implementers, and other stakeholders in budget processes, looking forward to making a positive impact in Bauchi State.