UNICEF, Sokoto Partner to Boost Nutrition, Health of  Children

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

A groundbreaking Digital Village aimed at enhancing digital skills and learning opportunities for Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls has been inaugurated in Sokoto State.

The initiative, launched by UNICEF in collaboration with the Sokoto State Government and partners, seeks to bridge the digital divide for vulnerable children and promote their economic independence and social inclusion.

 The Digital Village provides a safe space for Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls to acquire digital and vocational skills, technological literacy, and youth innovation.

According to UNICEF, the Digital Village will offer structured training sessions three times a week for 250 children, including 150 Almajiri and 100 out-of-school adolescent girls.

The training curriculum includes digital literacy, vocational skills, foundational literacy, numeracy, and life skills development, tailored to meet the unique needs of these vulnerable groups.

In his remark, Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu,  reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in the future of children and adolescents.

“We are grateful for the partnership with UNICEF, which has enabled us to establish this modern warehouse and develop a comprehensive policy on food and nutrition,” the governor said.

The nutrition warehouse, constructed by UNICEF, will serve as a central hub for storing and distributing nutrition commodities across the state, particularly to vulnerable communities.

The Sokoto State Policy on Food and Nutrition, launched by the governor, aims to address hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity in the state. The policy aligns with national goals and global best practices, ensuring children grow healthy, women are empowered nutritionally, and communities thrive.

Governor Aliyu assured the people of Sokoto State that his administration is committed to prioritising healthcare and nutrition, highlighting various policies and programmes. 

The Sokoto State Government also adopted and launched the food and nutrition policy, aimed at addressing malnutrition, food insecurity, and diet-related diseases.