SANI DUTSINMA
Kebbi State Government says, it spent over N1.59 billion in about 590 Early Child Development (ECD) Centres located across the state’s primary schools in three years.
The Executive Chairman, Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Suleiman Khalid Jega, made this known during the celebration of the 2026 International Day of Play, organized by UNICEF in collaboration with SUBEB held at Kaura Gwandu Model Primary School, Birnin Kebbi.
Speaking at the event, Professor Khalid Jega explained that, the administration of Governor Nasir Idris places high priority on early childhood education, recognizing it as the foundation of lifelong learning and development.
According to him, 15 per cent of the annual intervention funds received by the board are dedicated to the development of ECD centres.
Professor Jega noted that the state government has committed substantial resources to the sector as it believes that, a strong educational foundation is essential for children’s future academic success.
He also commended development partners, particularly UNICEF, for their continued support towards child development programmes in the state through both financial and technical assistance.
In his remarks, UNICEF Focal Person, Mr. Nuhu Haruna, said the International Day of Play was set aside globally to promote children’s right to play and to encourage activities that support their physical, emotional and social development and thanked all stakeholders for their participation and support in making the event successful.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of SUBEB, Alhaji Umar Hassan, explained that the day was established to ensure that children enjoy their fundamental right to play.
According to him, regular play activities contribute significantly to children’s cognitive, psychomotor, emotional and social development, thereby enhancing their learning abilities and overall educational growth.
The pupils participated in a variety of activities, including games, fun competitions, etc.
