The chief of field office, Unicef Bauchi, Mohammed Kamfut says poverty violates children human rights and perpetuates a relentless cycle of deprivation that is challenging to break without adequate support. This worrisome situation has over time led to numerous adverse outcomes for children, possing hunger, malnutrition, poor health or poor access to quality education and essential services.
Kamfut disclosed this at the North east states strategic policy dialogue on social Budgeting for child sensitive sectors in Nigeria holding in Gombe state.
He emphasised that as children grow older and in poverty, the impact of the deprivations intensifies, further diminishing their opportunities to reach their full potential
According to Kamfut this has long-term repercussions on their well-being, extending into adulthood.
Despite the global urgency to address poverty, children have often been overlooked in poverty reduction initiatives.
While citing on the 2020 report on Multidimensional Child Poverty analysis supported by UNICEF Nigeria, he said over 47 million children, or approximately 47.4 percent of Nigerian children, live in households with incomes below the national poverty line of 137,430 Naira per year (based on the 2019 exchange rate).
He therefore advocates for support from Governments at all levels for the well-being of children and the population at large.
Editor: Ena Agbanoma
