By Khalid Idris Doya
Gombe state commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali has noted with dismay that the Northeast geo-political zone despite its huge potentials, has been contending with poor human development indicators in virtually all areas.
This, according to him, is compounded by the activities of insurgency and massive influx of people from conflict areas that surround them. This has affected the impact of the modest gains they are making.
To this end, the commissioner said, the Governments and people of Gombe, Adamawa and Bauchi state are overwhelmed by this development, hence the need to brainstorm and harness ideas on how to tackle the menace and reduce the indices of Child poverty in the region.
Alh. Salihu Alkali at a media dialogue on child poverty organized by UNICEF Bauchi Field Office in Gombe, therefore commended UNICEF for the tireless support especially in the Northeast States of Gombe, Adamawa and Bauchi.
He said, “I feel delighted to deliver the Goodwill Message of this all- important North East states of Adamawa, Gombe and Bauchi Media Chat on Child Poverty towards Improving the wellbeing and promoting sustainable growth for our future children”.
According to him, the presence of the dialogue participants from Bauchi. Adamawa in Gombe State at this time is a clear demonstration of the UNICEF administration’s drive to curb the monster.
He noted with delight that the media chat on child poverty is in line with current developmental priorities of the Northeast zone, as it would immensely contribute to an improved Child development.
Alkali also commended the United Nations agency for choosing Gombe State to be the host state for the dialogue, thus translating concept to concrete results is not easy and indeed could be herculean.
The commissioner assured UNICEF of the three governments namely Gombe, Bauchi and Adamawa of their full support and partnership to ensure maximum benefit of the programme.
He urged participants to deliberate frankly and ensure that the objectives for which this dialogue was designed will translate to measurable results.
