The Country Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Mrs. Wafaa Saeed, has called on Nigeria to take the lead in driving child survival and education across Africa.

Saeed made the appeal on Monday in Birnin Kebbi during her maiden courtesy visit to Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, since assuming office. She noted that UNICEF’s interventions in Nigeria would focus on critical areas such as health, education, child protection, and the fight against malnutrition and out-of-school children.

Commending Kebbi State for committing significant resources to tackle child malnutrition, Saeed said the government’s efforts demonstrate readiness to partner with UNICEF in reducing the burden of malnutrition and ensuring more children remain in school.

Governor Idris, represented by his deputy, Umar Abubakar Tafida, pledged continued collaboration with UNICEF, assuring financial and moral support for programmes targeted at child survival. During the visit, UNICEF also officially launched vaccine cold boxes and other vaccination supplies at Kebbi Central Medical Store, further strengthening the state’s immunisation drive.