From: Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin-Kebbi
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has advised the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) to work closely with traditional rulers and religious leaders across the state in their efforts to mobilise against cholera and, low enrolment of children at schools.
Governor Bagudu stated this, on Wednesday, during the inaugural ceremony of Kebbi State advocacy and community engagement workshop held in Birnin-Kebbi organised by UNICEF at its Sokoto office.
Governor Bagudu, while suggesting practical solutions to the outbreak said,” I want UNICEF to value our local base practices. In all our villages and communities, you will find Mallams or Christians going about their lives according to their religions and provide education to their people in their own ways.
“Even if they are doing it wrongly, you should work with them so that you can have succeed in the advocacy “.
He commended UNICEF for doing good jobs in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states and stressed there was need for all stakeholders to participate in the advocacy to reduce social menace in the states.
UNICEF Field Officer in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, Mohammad Muhuiddin, in a statement, presented at the programme, disclosed that they had launched a handbook with inputs from Islamic and Christian clerics on nutrition, hand washing, safe drinking water and hygiene .
He added that with the high commitment of the Kebbi State Government, the implementation of the signed documents and Faith for Life Initiative, would improve routine immunisation, exclusive breastfeeding, school enrolment, access to safe drinking water and sanitation.