Zaria: UNICEF has renewed its strategic engagement with media executives, editors, and partners in Kaduna to deepen collaboration on issues affecting women and children. Dr. Idris Baba, Officer-in-Charge of the UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, announced this initiative during the second edition of the strategic engagement with Media Executives, Editors, and Partners held in Zaria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was a collaboration between UNICEF and the Kaduna State Ministry of Information, focusing on the theme ‘Partnering With The Media To Enhance The Reach and Impact of Essential Health Services in Kaduna State.’ Baba emphasized the importance of media as a platform for presenting evidence-based information and shaping public discourse. The initiative aims to brief media executives on UNICEF’s planned activities for 2026 and to strengthen interactions with the media.
Dr. Baba highlighted the need for media support to keep women and children’s issues on the public agenda. The initiative also aims to foster deeper collaboration and mutual understanding between UNICEF and the media, in partnership with the Kaduna State Government. In 2026, UNICEF plans to leverage technology and artificial intelligence to enhance the impact of its programs, despite challenges like reduced funding and physical capacity.
Baba commended the Kaduna State Government for revitalizing its Ministry of Information, which is expected to improve coordination between UNICEF and the media. Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki, the Commissioner for Information in Kaduna State, urged the media to fulfill their corporate social responsibility by providing comprehensive coverage of UNICEF’s thematic areas. He also noted the state’s commitment to social development, citing increased budget allocations to education and health sectors over the past three years.
The event saw participation from various media managers and editors across the state, including Malam Bashir Rabe-Mani, the Kaduna Zonal Manager of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).