By El-Yakub Dabai, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the existing partnership with UNICEF, particularly in routine immunization and other crucial services for child survival and development.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida gave the assurance while welcoming the new UNICEF Representative for Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Elfadil Saeed Abdullatef to Kebbi State on an official visit, in Birnin Kebbi, expressing the State Government appreciation for the Agency’s long-standing interventions.
Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris and the people of Kebbi also expressed sincere appreciation for UNICEF’s collaboration and efforts in supporting health issues, water sanitation, education, nutrition, child protection, and the rights and well-being of women and children in the State.
He highlighted key focus areas UNICEF excels which include routine immunization programs, child health, nutrition, education, child protection, water sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) protection services, amongst others.
Earlier in her remarks, the UNICEF Country Representative, Mrs. Wafaa Elfadil Saeed Abdullatef emphasized the organization’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the state as Kebbi is one of the major beneficiaries of UNICEF interventions in Nigeria. She called on Nigeria to lead the African continent in championing child survival and education.
Mrs. Saeed stated that UNICEF will continue to support critical sectors such as health and education, with a particular focus on child protection, survival, and reducing malnutrition and the number of out-of-school children.
She praised the Kebbi State Government for its significant financial commitment towards tackling child malnutrition, noting that such efforts reflected strong partnership and shared responsibility in addressing these challenges.
Mrs. Saeed also officially launched vaccine cold boxes and other essential vaccination supplies donated by UNICEF at the Kebbi Central Medical Store in Birnin Kebbi, stating further that the donation would bolster the state’s vaccination drive and help ensure healthier futures for children.
As part of UNICEF’s strategic efforts to ensure the successful roll-out of the integrated Measles-Rubella and Polio campaign planned for October, the Representative handed over 285 vaccine carriers and 81 cold chain boxes to the Kebbi State Government. This equipment would help strengthen the state’s cold chain system, enabling the effective storage and transportation of vaccines.
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