By Olukayode Babalola
Lafia – The Nasarawa State Government has released N63 million counterpart fund for activities of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the state.
Mr Ayuba Ayinaje, the state Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, disclosed this during the Nasarawa State UNICEF 2017 Work Plan Mid-Year Review held in Lafia on Thursday.
Ayinaje was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Muazu Goshu.
According to him, UNICEF activities have been on in the state to improve the life of the people, especially children and women.
“Because of the laudable activities of UNICEF in the state, I assure you of the state government’s continuous collaboration with UNICEF to achieve the set goals.
“It is in line with the state government’s plan to continue the partnership, that N63 million was released as counterpart fund for UNICEF activities for the year, aimed at achieving good health for the citizens of the state,’’ he said.
Ayinaje said he was hopeful that the review meeting would offer a leeway to achieving greater results with regards to the set goals of both parties in improving the welfare and living standards of residents.
Dr Idris Baba, the Officer in Charge, UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, commended the Nasarawa State Government for the release of the counterpart fund.
He said that UNICEF was committed to fighting polio to zero level, improve water and sanitation and other health and social challenges in the state.
“UNICEF is contributing to the eradication of polio by partnering state governments to ensure that children are immunised.
“This is a collective responsibility of governments, private sector, parents and well-meaning individuals.
“We are very happy with the payment of the N63 million counterpart fund by the Nasarawa State Government. It is a great achievement.
“It shows the state government’s commitment to what UNICEF is doing,’’ he said.
Baba said the review, which was aimed at achieving UNICEF’s end of the year resolutions, would go a long way in exposing achievements, challenges and constraints of UNICEF and the state government. (NAN)