* As Development Partners Intensify Efforts Against Early Marriage, Maternal Mortality
By Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)
The Bauchi State Government has intensified efforts to curb early and forced marriage as part of a broader social reform agenda aimed at improving living standards in rural communities.
Governor Bala Mohammed disclosed that said with over 70 per cent of rural households engaged in farming, poverty and limited access to education remain key drivers of early marriage.
According to the Governor, under the renewed strategy, the state Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is scaling up farmer support programmes, strengthening agricultural value chains and improving access to financial services.
Ably represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Auwal Jatau said the government emphasized that tackling early marriage requires a multi-sectoral approach involving education, agriculture, women empowerment and community sensitisation.
“We are building a new generation anchored on accountability and improved opportunities for our children, especially the girl-child,” a government spokesperson stated.
Development partners are expected to provide technical assistance to enhance implementation and monitoring frameworks.
In his speech, the Canadian Team Lead Arash Irantalah said Nigeria has been recognised as a strategic partner in Africa under Canada’s inclusive development agenda, with renewed focus on improving livelihoods and strengthening governance systems.
Representatives of Global Affairs Canada described Nigeria’s leadership role on the continent as vital to achieving sustainable development outcomes.
The development partners said their programmes are focused on: Improving maternal healthcare quality Expanding women’s economic participation, Strengthening food security systems, Enhancing transparency and accountability frameworks in collaboration with UNICEF and other multilateral institutions, Canada continues to support agriculture-based livelihoods, particularly among women farmers.
“Empowering women in agriculture and decision-making processes is essential to building resilient communities,” a representative said.
The meeting concluded with mutual assurances of sustained partnership and a shared commitment to improving living conditions for vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, the Government of Canada and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing sustainable poverty reduction and women empowerment initiatives in Nigeria.
During a high-level engagement with government officials, representatives of Global Affairs Canada Team Lead Arash Irantalah highlighted Canada’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria, describing the country as a strategic partner in Africa.
Irantalah noted that interventions supported by Canada, in collaboration with UNICEF, have strengthened maternal and child health services, expanded access to education, and improved economic opportunities for rural women.
“Improving maternal health quality remains at the heart of Canada’s approach. We are expanding opportunities for women’s economic participation and decision-making processes,” a delegation member said.
The development partners stressed that empowering women in agriculture, livelihoods and food security is central to achieving inclusive growth across communities.
In his response, the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international partnerships to accelerate sustainable development across the state.
Mohammed highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving governance, service delivery and economic inclusion.
The government was represented by the deputy governor Rt Hon Auwal Jatau acknowledged collaborative interventions implemented in partnership with UNICEF, particularly in child protection, education and healthcare.
He noted that Bauchi State remains focused on improving its overall business environment, enhancing accountability mechanisms and promoting inclusive growth.
The meeting concluded with assurances of continued diplomatic engagement and appreciation for Canada’s consistent support toward sustainable poverty reduction efforts in the state. NNL.
