By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – The United Nations International Children’s Fund, UNICEF has lauded the efforts of the Plateau State government in boosting the nutrition and well-being of children and women through commendable interventions that promote healthy living among citizens.

Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field Office UNICEF Bauchi Field Office gave the commendation in Jos, Plateau State during an interactive session between the Communication Team of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office and some members of the Plateau State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.

She noted that she was impressed by the steps taken by the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang to reposition the Primary healthcare facilities in the State as well as the initiative in providing the funds for nutrition projects, having skilled birth attendants, and safe delivery kits, promising the continued support of UNICEF for the overall development of the communities, children and mothers.

Dr. Rafique equally urged journalists in the State to embrace and focus on positive journalism to drive awareness and advocacy on issues of children and mothers, inspiring positive changes and development in society.

She said, “… I’m thoroughly impressed by the leadership of Plateau State. What I saw on the ground in terms of health facilities… providing the funds for the nutrition projects and taking initiatives on primary health care facilities, having skilled birth attendants, and safe delivery kits. UNICEF is always here to support. UNICEF is always here looking forward to the State Government’s leadership, LGs’ leadership, all these sectors which are concerned with UNICEF and the overall development of the communities, children and mothers especially.”

To the journalists, she added, “You are the voices of every State. You can promote, you can bring the good behaviors and practices up, and you can stop the poor practices and old practices, which are hindering the development of children’s nutrition of children. You can also teach communities, give messages to the communities, and make communities aware of what to do and what not to do. Bring up good examples. Try to do positive journalism, and I’m sure you are already doing it.

“So please, my request for you is to be positive journalists and highlight what good things are being done, what practices we need to enhance, and when they are enhanced, the negative practices gradually fade away. Our purpose is to save lives and this is done when the mothers and children are well nourished… It is the right of the child to get birth registration and have safe drinking water and sanitation. Every child of school age should be in the schools so they will grow to the best potential possible.”

She highlighted the areas of UNICEF’s interventions to include birth registration, full immunization of children, nutrition including exclusive breastfeeding, WASH to curb open defecation and encourage proper hygiene, and education so children can lead respectful lives as adults.

Earlier, Opeyemi Olagunju, the Communication and Advocacy Officer of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office which covers Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, and Taraba States and Umar Shura urged journalists to be intentional in sustaining evident-based reports that promote safer spaces for children and women to thrive.