The United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF), says 75 per cent of children in Katsina State are multidimensionally poor, meaning they are deprived of three or more essential dimensions of well-being.
The UNICEF's Kano Chief Field Office, Mr Rahama Farah, disclosed this during a two-day capacity workshop organised for the 34 local government chairmen in the state.
The workshop with the theme, "Reducing Child Poverty through Social Protection, Using Data for Transformative Evidence-Based Governance", was organised through the state's Bureau of Statistics.
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According to him, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), records indicate that the children are being deprived of essential dimensions, including health, nutrition and education.
"The NBS Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2022, estimates that more than 75 per cent of children in Katsina are multidimensionally poor.
"Katsina is a state of great potential, rich in human and natural resources, but yet the well-being of its children remains under significant strain. Recent survey data remind us of the scale and urgency of the challenge.
"Based on the 2025 projection by the National Population Commission (NPC), out of an estimated population of 10.3 million people in the state, about 4.6 million (45 per cent) are children under 17 years, and 1.7 million (17 per cent) are under five years."
He explained that based on NDHS 2023-24, Katsina had approximately 159 deaths per 1,000 live births, adding that this meant that roughly one in six children in the state do not survive to their fifth birthday.
Farah said that investing in children was therefore not an optional extra, but one of the most strategic and foundational investments the state can make.
Meanwhile, supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have cautioned critics of the current administration against politicising the issue of hunger in the country, insisting that the prices of food items have declined in several markets.
Addressing newsmen on Monday in Abuja, Convener of the Fruits of Renewed Hope Initiative, Barrister Medina Anako, who was flanked by many other stakeholders said their mission is to bridge the gap between the government and the governed through constructive engagement and public enlightenment.
Daily Trust reports that Tinubu's political opponents have consistently accused his government of failure to end poverty, hunger and insecurity in the country. (NAN)
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