Kwara State Government led by Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazak has forged a collaborative agreement with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The state has demonstrated its commitment by disbursing a substantial $100,000 as a counterpart fund. This proactive step aims to combat malnutrition and elevate the overall well-being of its citizens.
Addressing a gathering at the Ministry’s conference room, Mallam Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi, expressed gratitude for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of vulnerable individuals in the state.
He underscored the importance of the Nutrition Marching Fund in rewriting the narrative for stunted children, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the state.
Hon. Lafia particularly applauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his dedication to addressing the malnutrition challenge.
He, however, emphasized the vital role of the Nutrition Marching Fund in reshaping the trajectory for children suffering from malnutrition.
Dr Umar Yakub Jaja, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, extended appreciation to UNICEF for its consistent support of children’s interventions.
He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of other development partners, such as Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), in supporting the state’s initiatives over the years.
UNICEF’s Country Representative, Mrs Christian Munduate, commended the Kwara State Government for demonstrating the political will to eradicate malnutrition.
Munduate highlighted the transformative impact of the state’s commitment to the Nutrition Marching Fund, emphasizing that the availability of funds will expedite the fight against malnutrition.
She noted that malnutrition has hindered the physical and mental growth of many children, limiting their capacity to positively contribute to the state’s economic development.
The positive momentum in Kwara State’s development efforts is particularly noteworthy, considering the challenges faced in the past.
The state had experienced setbacks, with many development agencies, including UNICEF, discontinuing their activities due to a lack of counterpart funds.
Meanwhile, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration, since 2019, has not only revived partnerships but also attracted UNICEF’s commitment to establish an office in the state. This signifies a promising future of sustained support and collaborative development initiatives.
