Sokoto pays UNICEF N1.8bn counterpart funds

Sokoto state Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said the state government has paid N1.8 billion as counterpart funds on initiatives entered into with UNICEF to boost basic education, healthcare delivery and sanitation in the state.

The governor, who stated this yesterday in Sokoto, while declaring open the three-day workshop on  Advocacy and Community Engagement (ACE), said the state government was committed to the healthcare delivery

The governor also used the event to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNICEF, the Sultanate Council and the media to enhance coverage for immunization and other set objectives.

He said the state government’s investment in education, health, child protection, water management, sanitation and hygiene had played important role in the desired change in the state.

“Our past collaborations have impacted positively on target beneficiaries, and it is our hope that going forward, we can deepen access to quality healthcare delivery, access to clean water, nutrition and sanitation especially in the rural areas,” he added.

In his remarks, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, said it was obligatory to take care of the health needs of the citizens, “as such, this programme is a reminder and support for our religious teachers.”

He called on Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers and pray for a better society. He also called on religious and traditional rulers to judiciously utilise the engagement to better their lives.

On his part, the chairman of the Sokoto state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Amadu Mamman, said Christian community in the state would continue to support initiatives for
the well-being of the indigenes.

UNICEF Nigeria’s Deputy Country Representative, Pamella Ironside, said her organisation was fully committed to supporting the advocacy campaign.

“We will continue to work hand-in-hand with the government and other stakeholders to ensure rapid development of the life of women and children in Nigeria,” she stated.
 

 

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