Kaduna: In commemoration of ‘The Day of the African Child’ (DAC) 2025, the Commissioner Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission (PBC), Mukhtar Ahmed, has called for child-responsive budgeting and increased focus on children’s rights.
The theme for the year’s commemoration is ‘Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010’.
Addressing a press briefing in collaboration with UNICEF on Monday in Kaduna, Ahmed emphasised the need to prioritise children’s rights, development, and dignity.
He explained that the commemoration honoured the heroic youths of Soweto who stood against injustice in the pursuit of quality education.
Ahmed said, “Today, we proudly join the global community in commemorating the day; this solemn day, established by the Organization of African Unity in 1991, compels us to reflect on the condition of African children today.
“The day also seeks to renew our collective commitment to their rights, development, and dignity.”
Ahmed lamented the significant persistence of some formidable challenges, which included high child mortality rates, malnutrition, and limited access to education.
“Africa remains home to the highest rates of child mortality, with one in 13 children dying before their fifth birthday.
“Over 40 per cent of children in Sub-Saharan Africa suffer from malnutrition, stunting their growth and cognitive development.
“Millions of children remain out of school or attend schools with limited infrastructure and underqualified teachers,” he further decried.
The commissioner, however, highlighted Kaduna State’s progress in aligning with the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Ahmed said the state had made notable strides in ensuring children’s needs were central to development policies and budgetary allocations.
He said the state government had increased investments in education and health, implemented child-focused initiatives, and strengthened public financial management.
