The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has commended the Kwara State Government for its investments in human capital development, inclusive growth, reproductive health and maternal and child healthcare.

The commendation came as the agency announced a $4.5 million matching fund for Nigeria, with Kwara State among the beneficiaries, to support the procurement of contraceptives and life-saving maternal health commodities.

The UNFPA Resident Representative to Nigeria, Muriel Mafico, disclosed this in Ilorin when she led a delegation of the agency on a courtesy visit to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at Ahmadu Bello House.

Mafico said the matching fund was designed to help governments bridge funding gaps in the procurement of reproductive health supplies and essential maternal healthcare commodities.

She explained that Kwara's commitment to reproductive health and human capital development had positioned the state to benefit from the intervention.

According to her, the fund would be available to states that demonstrate procurement of reproductive health supplies, stressing that UNFPA was prepared to support governments that showed commitment to investing in the wellbeing of their people.

Mafico also praised Governor AbdulRazaq's leadership, particularly his administration's focus on human capital development, inclusive governance and maternal and child health.

She said UNFPA had observed significant progress in Kwara under the present administration, describing AbdulRazaq as one of the governors demonstrating strong commitment to investing in people.

The UNFPA representative further commended the state government for progress recorded through EU-supported projects, including the engagement of more than 100 community midwives, procurement of health commodities worth N1 billion and training of 400 health workers across the state.

She also applauded the administration's efforts to tackle gender-based violence and ensure that survivors have access to healthcare through the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Mafico said the achievements required strong leadership, coordination and adequate resources, adding that UNFPA was encouraged by the state government's prioritisation of such investments.

Responding, Governor AbdulRazaq thanked the UNFPA delegation for the visit and the agency's continued support for Kwara State.

He described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the state government and UNFPA while recognising the agency's contributions to the state's development.

The governor appreciated UNFPA's interventions in adolescent and youth development, reproductive health, women's empowerment, human capital development and demographic dividend planning.

He said the agency had also supported Kwara through technical assistance, capacity building, policy support, data development and strategic planning, noting that the interventions had strengthened government institutions and personnel to deliver better services to residents.

The Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Mary Arinde, also commended UNFPA for its continued support, assuring that the state government would remain committed to efficiency, accountability and transparency in implementing its programmes.