The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manassah Daniel Jatau, has emphasized that the responsibility of addressing challenges bedeviling children in Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast region, lies squarely on the shoulders of political leaders.

Speaking at the North-East zonal policy dialogue on social budgeting for sensitive sectors organized by the Bauchi Field Office Of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), held in Gombe, he noted that while much of the discourse centers around children, the real challenge is the leadership’s role in ensuring that their needs are met.

While highlighting the importance of social budgeting dialogue, he urged political leaders to take ownership of the situation by prioritizing children’s welfare in government budgeting processes.

Stressing the compelling need for leaders to ensure that resources are dedicated to improving the welfare and future of children across the region and the country at large, he called for realistic approaches amid economic challenges, stating that, Nigeria, along with its states, public and private institutions, and local government Councils, “has long engaged in budgeting processes aimed at achieving their various goals and programs.”

Jatau who was also of the view that a balanced budget is often advised to follow the “50/20/30 rule, said, “this guideline suggests allocating 50% of income to needs, 20% to savings, and 30% to wants.”

“Recent experiences and events have highlighted the growing challenges in adhering to this rule. The reality on the ground, as clearly manifested by the country’s current economic conditions, shows that all things are not equal.

“Rising costs, economic instability, and unexpected events are making it increasingly difficult for governments, institutions, and individuals to follow these ideal budgeting principles.”

Other stakeholders from the zone especially commissioners of budget and planning, permanent Secretaries among others who echoed Jatau’s sentiments, applauded UNICEF’s concerns over the plights of children in the region and the country.

UNICEF, who had earlier raised concerns over the increase of Nigerian children living in poverty, called for urgent action to address the disturbing incident.

The international organization who spoke through Officer In charge (OIC), Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Mohammed Kamfut, said “Poverty infringes upon children’s human rights and perpetuates a relentless cycle of deprivation that is challenging to break without adequate support”, hence the need for all hands to be on deck.