UNICEF, stakeholders meet in Kano over diversion of relief materials

Stakeholders in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State have met to address concerns over the alleged diversion and sale of relief materials donated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for vulnerable children and families.

The meeting, held at the Dala Local Government Secretariat on March 12, 2026, focused on reports that some individuals were diverting items such as medicines, school bags, and nutritional food meant for children suffering from malnutrition.

Speaking during the stakeholders’ interaction, a senior UNICEF official, Mr Adeyinka Adeosun, alongside the Programme Head, Alhaji Balarabe Yusuf Sani, lamented that materials provided to support vulnerable members of the community were being diverted for selfish purposes.

They expressed concern that some of the items were allegedly being sold in markets and other public places, describing the act as unpatriotic and unacceptable.

According to them, investigations suggested that, in some cases, the diversion involved parents as well as individuals responsible for distributing the materials.

Adeosun called on stakeholders to intensify monitoring and raise awareness among community members on the importance of ensuring that relief materials reach the intended beneficiaries.

He warned that anyone found culpable would face appropriate sanctions, stressing that UNICEF and its partners would not condone dishonesty and misuse of donated items.

The statement was signed by the Information Officer of Dala Local Government, Hassana Aminu, a copy of which was made available to the press in Kano.

He also urged community members not to remain silent when they observe such practices, noting that vigilance and awareness are key to safeguarding humanitarian support. He added that similar intervention programmes are ongoing in other northern states, including Katsina and Jigawa.

In her remarks, the Director of Special Assignments in Dala Local Government, Hajiya Halima Ahmad Ishaq, said the meeting was organised to raise public awareness and discourage the diversion of items clearly labelled “Not for Sale”.

She expressed concern that Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a peanut-based nutritional supplement provided to malnourished children, was among the items reportedly diverted.

Halima explained that medical tests are usually conducted before the product is given to a child, but noted that some parents had allegedly attempted to manipulate the process in order to obtain the product and divert it.

She further noted that improved use of locally available nutritious foods could help reduce cases of malnutrition among children, adding that proper nutrition should begin from pregnancy through breastfeeding and early childcare.

Also speaking, a traditional title holder, Wakilin Fuskar Arewa, Alhaji Faruk Yola, advised that traditional leaders and community elders should be actively involved in monitoring the distribution of such assistance to ensure transparency and accountability.

The meeting ended with participants from various sectors offering suggestions on how to strengthen the distribution system and prevent further diversion of relief materials.