Date: 2010-03-10

The United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), has pledged to continue to cooperate and support the Kwara State Government in its bid to eradicate polio, malaria and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the State.  

The UNICEF representative in the State, Mr. Mugaju James, made the promise when he led a team of officials of the organization on a courtesy visit to the State Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, in his office.  

Mr. James observed that the eradication of these diseases would go a long way to improve the living condition of the people and hasten the socio-economic development of the State.  

The UNICEF representative also commended the State Government for the establishment of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in view of its strategic importance to the orderly development of the society.  

Responding, Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed assured that the State Government would continue to partner with UNICEF and other donor agencies in its bid to ensure the good health of the people and rapid socio-economic development of the State.  

Alhaji Ahmed observed that in this era of dwindling oil revenue and economic meltdown, the State Government must cooperate with donor agencies in order to be able to carry out its responsibilities to the masses, especially in the area of health care delivery.  

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Osuolale Ajayi, acknowledged the vital role UNICEF had played in the lives of women and children in the State. 

Mr. Ajayi assured the UNICEF officials that materials donated to the Ministry by the organization will be used judiciously and for the purpose intended.

 

Mas’ud Adebimpe

Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor

10/03/10