The United Nations Children’s Fund has urged journalists to scrutinise government budgets and spendings on children to ensure that allocations translate into improved education, healthcare, nutrition and other essential services.UNICEF made the call during a one-day Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Government, through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, in collaboration with the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office.The dialogue, which brought together journalists from Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau states, was organised as part of UNICEF’s advocacy efforts to strengthen public financing for children in its field office states.The participants were challenged to move beyond reporting political promises and budgetary allocations by tracking the release and utilisation of funds as well as the impact of government programmes on children.The UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by the UNICEF Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, said the media had a critical role to play in ensuring that government budgets prioritised the needs of children and vulnerable families.She said, “Journalists have an important role to play in improving government budgets, ensuring timely release of funds and monitoring programmes targeting children and women.”Rafique urged journalists to use the political and election period to question candidates on their plans for children, the cost of implementing such plans and how the proposed funds would reach vulnerable children and communities.She expressed concern that issues including out-of-school children, malnutrition, poor healthcare services and inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene continued to affect families.She, therefore, called for non-partisan reporting that would focus on children’s rights, government commitments, public financing and measurable results rather than political personalities and affiliations.Also speaking, the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Yusuf Auta, said investment in children should start from conception and continue throughout childhood.Auta stressed the need for adequate funding for maternal and newborn healthcare, noting that every child deserved to be born in a safe and healthy environment.He urged journalists to follow the budget process from allocation and release of funds to utilisation and results.“Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” Auta said.Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. UNICEF made the call during a one-day Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Government, through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, in collaboration with the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office.The dialogue, which brought together journalists from Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau states, was organised as part of UNICEF’s advocacy efforts to strengthen public financing for children in its field office states.The participants were challenged to move beyond reporting political promises and budgetary allocations by tracking the release and utilisation of funds as well as the impact of government programmes on children.The UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by the UNICEF Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, said the media had a critical role to play in ensuring that government budgets prioritised the needs of children and vulnerable families.She said, “Journalists have an important role to play in improving government budgets, ensuring timely release of funds and monitoring programmes targeting children and women.”Rafique urged journalists to use the political and election period to question candidates on their plans for children, the cost of implementing such plans and how the proposed funds would reach vulnerable children and communities.She expressed concern that issues including out-of-school children, malnutrition, poor healthcare services and inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene continued to affect families.She, therefore, called for non-partisan reporting that would focus on children’s rights, government commitments, public financing and measurable results rather than political personalities and affiliations.Also speaking, the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Yusuf Auta, said investment in children should start from conception and continue throughout childhood.Auta stressed the need for adequate funding for maternal and newborn healthcare, noting that every child deserved to be born in a safe and healthy environment.He urged journalists to follow the budget process from allocation and release of funds to utilisation and results.“Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” Auta said.Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. The dialogue, which brought together journalists from Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau states, was organised as part of UNICEF’s advocacy efforts to strengthen public financing for children in its field office states.The participants were challenged to move beyond reporting political promises and budgetary allocations by tracking the release and utilisation of funds as well as the impact of government programmes on children.The UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by the UNICEF Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, said the media had a critical role to play in ensuring that government budgets prioritised the needs of children and vulnerable families.She said, “Journalists have an important role to play in improving government budgets, ensuring timely release of funds and monitoring programmes targeting children and women.”Rafique urged journalists to use the political and election period to question candidates on their plans for children, the cost of implementing such plans and how the proposed funds would reach vulnerable children and communities.She expressed concern that issues including out-of-school children, malnutrition, poor healthcare services and inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene continued to affect families.She, therefore, called for non-partisan reporting that would focus on children’s rights, government commitments, public financing and measurable results rather than political personalities and affiliations.Also speaking, the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Yusuf Auta, said investment in children should start from conception and continue throughout childhood.Auta stressed the need for adequate funding for maternal and newborn healthcare, noting that every child deserved to be born in a safe and healthy environment.He urged journalists to follow the budget process from allocation and release of funds to utilisation and results.“Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” Auta said.Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. The participants were challenged to move beyond reporting political promises and budgetary allocations by tracking the release and utilisation of funds as well as the impact of government programmes on children.The UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by the UNICEF Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, said the media had a critical role to play in ensuring that government budgets prioritised the needs of children and vulnerable families.She said, “Journalists have an important role to play in improving government budgets, ensuring timely release of funds and monitoring programmes targeting children and women.”Rafique urged journalists to use the political and election period to question candidates on their plans for children, the cost of implementing such plans and how the proposed funds would reach vulnerable children and communities.She expressed concern that issues including out-of-school children, malnutrition, poor healthcare services and inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene continued to affect families.She, therefore, called for non-partisan reporting that would focus on children’s rights, government commitments, public financing and measurable results rather than political personalities and affiliations.Also speaking, the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Yusuf Auta, said investment in children should start from conception and continue throughout childhood.Auta stressed the need for adequate funding for maternal and newborn healthcare, noting that every child deserved to be born in a safe and healthy environment.He urged journalists to follow the budget process from allocation and release of funds to utilisation and results.“Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” Auta said.Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. The UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by the UNICEF Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, said the media had a critical role to play in ensuring that government budgets prioritised the needs of children and vulnerable families.She said, “Journalists have an important role to play in improving government budgets, ensuring timely release of funds and monitoring programmes targeting children and women.”Rafique urged journalists to use the political and election period to question candidates on their plans for children, the cost of implementing such plans and how the proposed funds would reach vulnerable children and communities.She expressed concern that issues including out-of-school children, malnutrition, poor healthcare services and inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene continued to affect families.She, therefore, called for non-partisan reporting that would focus on children’s rights, government commitments, public financing and measurable results rather than political personalities and affiliations.Also speaking, the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Yusuf Auta, said investment in children should start from conception and continue throughout childhood.Auta stressed the need for adequate funding for maternal and newborn healthcare, noting that every child deserved to be born in a safe and healthy environment.He urged journalists to follow the budget process from allocation and release of funds to utilisation and results.“Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” Auta said.Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. She said, “Journalists have an important role to play in improving government budgets, ensuring timely release of funds and monitoring programmes targeting children and women.”Rafique urged journalists to use the political and election period to question candidates on their plans for children, the cost of implementing such plans and how the proposed funds would reach vulnerable children and communities.She expressed concern that issues including out-of-school children, malnutrition, poor healthcare services and inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene continued to affect families.She, therefore, called for non-partisan reporting that would focus on children’s rights, government commitments, public financing and measurable results rather than political personalities and affiliations.Also speaking, the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Yusuf Auta, said investment in children should start from conception and continue throughout childhood.Auta stressed the need for adequate funding for maternal and newborn healthcare, noting that every child deserved to be born in a safe and healthy environment.He urged journalists to follow the budget process from allocation and release of funds to utilisation and results.“Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” Auta said.Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. Rafique urged journalists to use the political and election period to question candidates on their plans for children, the cost of implementing such plans and how the proposed funds would reach vulnerable children and communities.She expressed concern that issues including out-of-school children, malnutrition, poor healthcare services and inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene continued to affect families.She, therefore, called for non-partisan reporting that would focus on children’s rights, government commitments, public financing and measurable results rather than political personalities and affiliations.Also speaking, the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Yusuf Auta, said investment in children should start from conception and continue throughout childhood.Auta stressed the need for adequate funding for maternal and newborn healthcare, noting that every child deserved to be born in a safe and healthy environment.He urged journalists to follow the budget process from allocation and release of funds to utilisation and results.“Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” Auta said.Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. She expressed concern that issues including out-of-school children, malnutrition, poor healthcare services and inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene continued to affect families.She, therefore, called for non-partisan reporting that would focus on children’s rights, government commitments, public financing and measurable results rather than political personalities and affiliations.Also speaking, the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Yusuf Auta, said investment in children should start from conception and continue throughout childhood.Auta stressed the need for adequate funding for maternal and newborn healthcare, noting that every child deserved to be born in a safe and healthy environment.He urged journalists to follow the budget process from allocation and release of funds to utilisation and results.“Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” Auta said.Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. She, therefore, called for non-partisan reporting that would focus on children’s rights, government commitments, public financing and measurable results rather than political personalities and affiliations.Also speaking, the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Yusuf Auta, said investment in children should start from conception and continue throughout childhood.Auta stressed the need for adequate funding for maternal and newborn healthcare, noting that every child deserved to be born in a safe and healthy environment.He urged journalists to follow the budget process from allocation and release of funds to utilisation and results.“Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” Auta said.Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. Also speaking, the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Yusuf Auta, said investment in children should start from conception and continue throughout childhood.Auta stressed the need for adequate funding for maternal and newborn healthcare, noting that every child deserved to be born in a safe and healthy environment.He urged journalists to follow the budget process from allocation and release of funds to utilisation and results.“Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” Auta said.Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. Auta stressed the need for adequate funding for maternal and newborn healthcare, noting that every child deserved to be born in a safe and healthy environment.He urged journalists to follow the budget process from allocation and release of funds to utilisation and results.“Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” Auta said.Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. He urged journalists to follow the budget process from allocation and release of funds to utilisation and results.“Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” Auta said.Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. “Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” Auta said.Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. Presenting a framework for media accountability, Dr Ali Dankumo urged journalists to make children a central issue of political accountability, particularly during election campaigns.He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. He said journalists should examine political candidates’ manifestos and demand clear proposals on education, out-of-school children, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, disability inclusion, social protection, girls’ education and youth development.According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. According to Dankumo, “Every major promise affecting children should be accompanied by questions on what it would cost, where the money would come from, how much government would contribute, how many children would benefit and when implementation would begin.”He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. He also encouraged journalists to report positive stories of resilience, successful interventions and solutions that were improving the lives of children and families.He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. He said the media should provide platforms for government officials, civil society organisations, academics and communities to discuss workable solutions to challenges affecting children.In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, called on journalists to use their platforms to advocate better policies and increased investment in children’s health and welfare.Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. Shira described investment in children’s health as an investment in the future of society, adding, “adequate financing would help build a healthier, stronger and more productive generation.”The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. The dialogue also emphasised the importance of journalism ethics, including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability and minimising harm when reporting issues involving children and vulnerable families.The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. The participants were urged to ensure that their reports went beyond government promises and budget figures by asking whether funds were released, how they were spent, who benefited and what changes were achieved.Related NewsPRP vows to protect votes, support Bauchi vulnerable womenGombe seeks stronger human rights ties with NHRCUNICEF urges improved staffing, maintenance of Katsina PHCsThe dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. The dialogue stressed that by following the money and measuring results, journalists could help ensure that budgetary commitments to children translated into tangible improvements in their lives.Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. Similarly, more stakeholders at the event urged the media to prioritise children’s welfare in government’s policies, stressing the need to strengthen advocacy for increased public financing for children as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. Like others, the call was made on by the stakeholders at the Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office.The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. The Managing Director of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, for instance, insisted that the media had a critical role to play in protecting the rights, health and welfare of children.Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. Shira urged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for adequate funding for children’s health and ensure that issues affecting children remained priorities in government policies and budgets.He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. He said, “As working partners with UNICEF, the media has a critical social responsibility to remain vanguards for the rights, health and welfare of children.“We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. “We must use our platforms to advocate for adequate public financing of children’s health and ensure that child health remains a priority in government policies and budgets.”He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. He noted that responsible reporting, investigative journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with policymakers could help expose funding gaps, amplify the voices of vulnerable children and hold duty-bearers accountable.Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. Shira stressed that investment in children’s health should not be viewed merely as an expenditure, but as an investment in the future of society.“When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. “When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow,” he said.On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. On her part, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by an Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, observed that the dialogue was coming at a critical time when the country approaches the 2027 general elections.Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. Rafique said journalists would play a key role in engaging politicians and policymakers on issues affecting children and other social sectors during the electioneering period.She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. She said, “We are approaching 2027, and electioneering campaigns have started. This is why we said, since we are always talking about public financing for children, let’s bring our good friends in the media because journalists are very key to the achievement of all our goals, especially in the social sectors.”She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. She urged journalists to remain professional, non-partisan and consistent in their engagement with political actors, stressing the need to ask candidates questions about their plans for education, healthcare, child protection and other issues affecting children and adolescents.The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. The UNICEF official also urged journalists to go beyond reporting budgetary allocations by tracking releases and assessing whether funds allocated to social sectors actually reached their intended beneficiaries.According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. According to her, reporting that a government budgeted a certain percentage for education, health, social protection, water, sanitation and hygiene or child protection was not enough without following up to determine the amount actually released and its impact on the target population.She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. She said Nigeria continued to face significant challenges involving out-of-school children, maternal health, stigma and child protection, noting that development partners alone could not address the problems without stronger government commitment and increased investment.“We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. “We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but rather we need to do our part and advocate to the government so that the government can put more resources,” she said.Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. Rafique further urged journalists to maintain neutrality while engaging political candidates, saying their questions should be centred on issues and public interest rather than partisan politics.She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. She said the media had a responsibility to ensure that children remained at the centre of political discourse as parties and candidates sought the support of voters ahead of the 2027 elections.Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children. Our correspondent reports that the dialogue brought together journalists and stakeholders to deepen understanding of public financing for children and equip the media with information needed to track government budgets, releases and their impact on children.