By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Bauchi State government and local communities to take full ownership of development projects to ensure long-term sustainability and community-driven progress.
UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, Dr. Rownak Khan, made the appeal during a field visit to Dondore Community in Toro Local Government Area.
She emphasized that while UNICEF has provided financial support to Bauchi State for years, moving forward, the organization will focus solely on offering technical support to aid planning and sustainability efforts.
Dr. Rownak commended the leaders of Dondore for prioritizing local nutrition solutions for women and children, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, ensuring complete immunization, improving environmental sanitation and personal hygiene, and constructing household toilets to eliminate open defecation.
She urged other communities across Nigeria to emulate Dondore’s self-sufficiency and commitment to improving overall living conditions.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Hamlet Head of Dondore, Malam Isah Madaki, expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its support in enhancing their social and health conditions.
He acknowledged that, as a small village, they never expected UNICEF’s intervention, but their aspirations for a better life had now become a reality.
The Ward Head of Dondore called on the government to construct a health facility in the community to provide antenatal care, skilled delivery services, and child immunization.
He lamented the high cost of transportation, which prevents many pregnant women from accessing healthcare facilities at the right time.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM) in Dondore, Malam Umaru Isah, outlined the committee’s responsibilities, which include promoting environmental sanitation, discouraging open defecation, and sensitizing pregnant women on the importance of antenatal care and child immunization. He noted that UNICEF’s support had greatly motivated them to continue providing sustainable community services.
With Dondore setting an example in community-led development, stakeholders are urged to strengthen their commitment to sustainable projects that improve public health and well-being across Bauchi State.
