By Asma’u Ahmad
The Sokoto State Government it has paid N1.8 billion as counterpart funding in various initiatives entered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to boost basic education, healthcare delivery and sanitation in the state.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said this at the opening ceremony of a three-day forum on high level Advocacy and Community Engagement (ACE).
The governor said the state government’s investment in education, health, child protection, water management, sanitation and hygiene had played important role in effecting 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, clean water, nutrition and sanitation, especially in the rural areas,” he said.
On his part, the Chairman of the Sokoto State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Ahmadu Mamman, said the Christian community would continue to support such initiatives for the well-being of the citizens.
UNICEF Nigeria’s Deputy Country Representative, Pernille Ironside, said the 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 life of women and children in Nigeria,” she said.
She added that UNICEF fully appreciated the commitment of the government in routine immunisation, education, and other related sectors.