UNICEF, Bauchi Govt train youths on child-focused budgeting

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, has trained young volunteers known as U-Reporters to advocate for child-friendly budgeting in the state.

The one-day workshop, held in Bauchi, was aimed at helping young people understand how government budgets work and how they can influence policies that support children’s health, education, and well-being.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF’s Communication Specialist, Opeyemi Olagunju, said young people are often excluded from budget discussions, even though the decisions directly affect their lives.

“This training is to help them understand how budgets are made and how they impact children and youth,” he said.

Another speaker, Sophie Bako, explained that budgeting is not just about spending money but is a tool for planning and providing services.

She said good budgets can reduce poverty, promote development, and improve sectors like health, education, and water.

UNICEF’s Social Policy Specialist, Dr. Yusuf Auta, described budgeting as a powerful way to invest in children and fight poverty.

“Children must be prioritized in budgets through clear policies and proper funding,” he said.

He urged the participants to push for more government investment in health and education, recommending at least 15% and 26% of annual budgets respectively.

Also speaking, Anubakar Sadeeq Usman from the state’s Budget Ministry, called for more funding for nutrition and social protection.

He reiterated the need for regular training of government officials on child-sensitive budgeting and using data for fair and inclusive planning.

According to him, Bauchi State has already made progress in funding health and education but must do more through better planning and monitoring.

UNICEF, Bauchi Govt train youths on child-focused budgeting