The United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF), says 69.2% of children in Kano State are multi-dimensionally poor.

Fatima Musa, a Social Policy Specialist with the UNICEF, Kano Field Office, disclosed this in her presentation during a media dialogue on Friday in Zaria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the media dialogue is on Children’s Advocacy Priorities for News and Programme Managers from Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states.

Musa explained that 69.2 per cent of children of 0-17 years old were defined as multi-dimensionally poor, while 59.5 per cent of children of 0-17 years were monetarily poor in Kano.

“Across the geo-political zones, the child MPI shows higher poverty in the North-East and North-West (where 90% of children are poor) and lower poverty in the South-East and South-West (74% and 65.1% respectively).

“The incidence of child MPI is above 50% in all states and greater than 95% in Bayelsa, Gombe, Sokoto and Kebbi states.

“UN Convention on the Rights of Children (UNCRC) provides for a child: person under the age of 18; the primary role of parents and family in the care and protection with state’s obligation to help them to carry out their duties,” she said.

The social policy specialist, who raised an alarm over the increased child poverty in Nigeria, called on governments at all levels to increase budgetary allocation for children-focused interventions.

According to her, the menace can be reduced by providing quality education, water, good healthcare services, access to good shelter, child protection and social safety nets.

She also lauded Katsina and Kano states for accepting Universal Child Benefits and for expressing interest in piloting it.

According to the specialist, the development came at the right time, as it’s aimed at addressing child poverty.

Earlier, Samuel Kaalu, UNICEF Communication Specialist, Kano Field Office, called on media practitioners in the country to focus more attention on issues affecting the well-being of women and children in their reportage.

Kaalu also urged them to give adequate attention to the issue of violence against children in order to ensure proper enlightenment of the public against the phenomenon.

The communication specialist said violence against children occurring in homes and communities usually go on unnoticed or denied.

He further called for more support from the media in sensitising the public to the importance of enrolling children in school.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has congratulated the Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, on his 70th birthday anniversary.

The CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, described Oyedepo as a legend of faith and a transformative leader.

Okoh said that Oyedepo’s ministry, Living Faith Church Worldwide, had impacted millions of people, promoting spiritual growth and social upliftment.

The CAN president added that, in a time of socio-economic challenges, Oyedepo’s teachings on resilience and unity provided hope to the nation.

“As we honour Bishop Oyedepo today, we acknowledge his profound impact on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond.

“His unwavering commitment to the gospel and his visionary leadership have inspired millions to seek a deeper relationship with God.

“Through his ministry, he has not only transformed lives spiritually but has also contributed significantly to educational development, economic empowerment and social upliftment,” he said.

“As he enters this new decade, we pray that God will bless him abundantly and his ministry will continue to flourish, bringing light to those in darkness and hope to the hopeless,” he added.

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolence to Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom on the death of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Friday.

According to the statement, on behalf of the Federal Government, the President commiserated with the Eno family, the government, and the people of Akwa Ibom state during this grim time.

The statement added that the President joined them in mourning the painful loss of the state’s First Lady, who had supported Governor Eno’s administration,

The President affirmed that Patience Eno, as the wife to a visionary governor and an ordained gospel minister, embodied humility, resilience and loyalty.

Tinubu acknowledged that through her ‘Golden Initiative for All,’ she demonstrated her passion for serving the people and residents of Akwa Ibom with love, honesty, and dedication.

He said she left a positive impact that would continue to inspire future generations.

“He trusts that her selfless service to improve the lives of women, children, and the vulnerable will forever remain an important part of Akwa Ibom’s history, a legacy that will continue to inspire and be appreciated by future generations.

“President Tinubu commits the grieving family, friends, and relatives to the comfort of the eternal God, who is the source of life and holds the future of all creation in his hands.

“He expresses his trust in their resilience and strength during this challenging time, offering reassurance and support,” said the statement.