By; ALEX UANGBAOJE, Katsina.
As part of effort to strengthen the existing relationship between the media and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Katsina Field Office of the organisation at the weekend met with media practitioners to delibrate on how to sustain a harmonious working relationship towards the advancement of children-related issues in the state.
The media also agreed to work together with UNICEF to further champion the cause of children through advocacy, periodic media engagement, including joint field visits and regular information sharing to help advocate for children in the state.
Speaking at the maiden meeting, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Katsina, Padmavathi Yedla said the media is an important tool towards bridging the gap between the governed and the government.
“The media is key and has an important role to play in our work for children, hence there is the need to work together towards achieving improved and equity driven results for children” she said.
According to her, there is urgent need for increased and sustainable campaign and awareness creation to raise the profile on the rights of children by parents and other stakeholders to help accelerate the much expected progress and advancement for children in addressing children issues towards ensuring that children receive the necessary support to grow in good health to their full potential.
Padmavathi, urged journalists in the state to increase coverage and reporting children issues through their various channels in reaching the public with key messages. She pledged her support and cooperation to work with the media to promote the best interest of children and women in the state.
In his remarks, the Media and External Relations Officer, UNICEF Kaduna, Rabiu Musa said the need for the partnership is imperative towards enhancing the goals of UNICEF and an efforts towards ensuring providing the media with the necessary support to advocate for children.
The media practitioners, on their part unanimously pledged to work relentlessly with UNICEF to deliver quality results for children and appointed a focal person to mediate with UNICEF whenever the need arises.
