Gombe state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya presenting a package to the outgoing United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, right.
By Akanji Alowolodu, Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Friday, played host to the outgoing United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon who paid him a farewell visit at the Gombe State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
Mr. Edward Kallon is leaving the country after the expiration of his six year tenure as the head of the UN systems in Nigeria.
Inuwa Yahaya paid glowing tribute to the UN Chief, saying, “Much as I regret your exit from Nigeria, I am consoled that it is in continuation of your service to humanity, your successes and achievements during your tenure in the areas of UN operations and humanitarian assistance are too numerous to mention. Gombe State and Nigeria have indeed benefited a lot from your hardwork, dedication and selfless service”.
The Governor expressed gratitude to Mr. Kallon for his support and cooperation in the quest to put Gombe State on the pedestal of sustainable development.
The Governor said that, “In the last two years of my administration, there have been several areas of collaboration with the UN system in SDGs and human capital development. Our partnership and cooperation have brought so much advancement to our dear State” .
He added that, “Of particular importance is your support in the preparation and launch of our 10- year development plan, known as development agenda for Gombe State, DEVAGOM which is our roadmap to actualizing the SDGs and a prosperous future for our people”.
The Governor further noted that the Nigerian UN Project has progressed from Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) to the present United Nations Sustainable Development Partnership Framework (UNSDPF) for the purpose of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria by 2030 under the leadership of Mr. Kallon.
He then wished him success in his future endeavor.
Earlier, the outgoing UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon said upon assumption into office, he set out a vision to see, engage and serve Nigeria in her full glory,
He said that he did that going beyond the traditional engagement with Government, the diplomatic and business communities but also to engage and interact with the people, their diverse cultures and traditions across the length and breadth of the country.
He particularly commended the disposition of Governor Inuwa Yahaya and his commitment to the development of his young State, describing him as an examplary leader.
Edward Kallon said that, “Your Excellency, my engagements with you, your government and the people during my visit to your State have not only yielded positive results but have been examplary. Jointly we have expanded and explored new areas of cooperation collaboration and partnership between the UN and Gombe State”.
He added that, “Most Agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations systems in Nigeria today regard Gombe State as a trusted and worthy partner, enhancing our common derive to collaborate in the realization of the development, aspirations of the people of your state and the country at large”.
According to him, “In the last five years as I applied myself to realising this vision for the UN, I have enjoyed tremendous support and goodwill from the people and Government at the Federal and sub-national levels. For this,I remain forever grateful as this would not have been possible without you by my side”.
During the farewell meeting, the two leaders also explored other areas of strengthening collaboration between Gombe State and the United Nations for the overall benefit and betterment of the citizenry.
Inuwa Yahaya used the occasion to present to the UN chief, his administration’s midterm scorecard, which is a document that chronicles and showcases the milestone of achievements recorded as a result of his purposeful, focused, visionary and pragmatic leadership.
The meeting was attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Planning and Development Partners Coordination, Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed, Director-General, Federal Government/ Intergovernmental Bureau, Mr. Nuhu Laumara Sada, Technical Assistant to the Governor, Aliyu Abubakar Garba among others aa contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Media and Publicity to the Governor of Gombe State.
