United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA) Resident Representative to Nigeria, Ms. Muriel Mafico has said that, the agency has offered a sum of $4.5 million match funds to Nigeria with Kwara state being one of the benefitting states in the country.

She said that, the fund served as support for the government to reduce funding gaps for contraceptive and life-saving maternal health medicines.

Ms. Mafico stated this in Ilorin yesterday during a courtesy call on the state governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at Ahmadu Bello Government House, Ilorin.

Mafico however said that, “the UNFPA is impressed with the exemplary leadership of Governor AbdulRazaq and how his government has hugely invested in maternal and child health and human capital development.

She said, “This is our offer this evening $4.5 million dollars is earmarked for Nigeria.

“As long as there is evidence of procurement of reproductive health in our supplies, you are able to get the matching funds.

“We recognize your efforts, we recognize your leadership but we too have to show leadership, we have to invest and co-invest in your vision.

“We have seen a lot of movement under your leadership. When I heard about (coming for) this visit, some of my colleagues were telling me that the Governor is a champion for investing in human capital development.

“You have also been a consistent champion in inclusive leadership. I was also told about the progress that has been made in investing in maternal and child health because we know that investing in people is the best investment we can make for any country.

“You have been named as one of the Governors who really stand in investing in the people.”

Ms Mafico said the administration has made “remarkable progress” on the EU projects, including on the engagement of over 100 community midwives, procurement of N1 billion commodities and the training of 400 health workers across the state.

The UN’s team lead also lauded the Governor for rising to the occasion with respect to campaigns against gender based violence.

“When it comes to gender based violence, a scourge that permeates across the globe, we have seen Kwara rising to the occasion and ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence are able to benefit from the national health insurance scheme,” she added.

Mafico stressed that, “All these initiatives require leadership, coordination and resources. And under your leadership, we have the prioritization of these investments.

“So, we are here to thank you for leading the initiatives in Kwara and making our lives very simple and easy. When you have the leaders who already know the direction they want to take, it is easy to support.”

Responding, the state governor, Alhaji AbdulRazaq thanked Ms Mafico and her team for the ‘thank you’ visit and for the continued support of the agency.

“This visit is an opportunity to strengthen our longstanding partnership and acknowledge UNFPA’s significant contributions to our development efforts,” the Governor said.

He stated, “We deeply appreciate UNFPA’s support in adolescent and youth development, reproductive health, women’s empowerment, human capital development and demographic dividend planning.”

AbdulRazaq said the UNFPA has supported the state in several ways, including in the provision of valuable technical assistance, capacity building, policy support, data development and strategic planning, which he noted have enhanced the capacity of government institutions and their personnel.

Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr Arinde, who commended the UNFPA for its constant support, promised that the government will continue to be efficient and transparent in the implementation of their programmes. (Arise News)

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