By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state says the state government had paid the sum of N1.8 billion as counterpart funding in various initiatives entered into with UNICEF.
The financial commitment Tambuwal said is to boost basic education, healthcare delivery and sanitation in the state.
Governor Tambuwal made the disclosure onTuesday at the opening of a three day forum on high level advocacy and community engagement (ACE) in Sokoto.
Accordingly, the state government used the event to sign a memorandum of understanding between UNICEF, the Sultanate Council and the media to enhance coverage for immunisation and other set objectives.
Speaking at the event, Governor Tambuwal said the state government’s investment in education, health, child protection, water management, sanitation and hygiene have played important role in effecting desired change in the state.
“Our past collaborations have impacted positively on taarget 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 a brief remarks, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, observed that it became obligatory to take care of the health needs of the citizens, noting that ” this programme is a reminder and support for our religious teachers.”
The reverred monarch also urged Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers and pray for a better society.
Abubakar, however, called on religious leaders and traditional rulers to judiciously utilise the engagement to better their lives.
Also, the chairman of the Sokoto State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Ahmadu Mamman, said christian community in the state will continue to support such initiatives for the well-being of the citizens.
In the same vein, UNICEF Nigeria’s Deputy Country Representative, Pamella Ironside, said her organisation is fully committed to supporting the advocacy campaign, assuring relevant stakeholders of the agency’s continued synergy towards realising the goals of the initiatives.
“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.
She added that UNICEF fully appreciates the commitment of the Sokoto state government in routine immunisation, education, and other related sectors.
