The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says it had released N1.5 billion to Niger government for engagement plan for the implementation of the 2018 intervention programmes in the state.

Dr Zakari Adam, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kaduna, disclosed this during a two-day End of Year Review and Working Plan Meeting in Minna on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that UNICEF and Niger Government had on July 6, signed N2.5 billion memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for engagement plan for the implementation of the 2018 intervention programmes in the state.

Adam mentioned the areas of UNICEF intervention in the state to include: nutrition, education, water sanitation and health related issues.

“This is the annual review for the whole activities carried out in the year 2018 in the various sectors.

“We have worked to improve on children nutrition, HIV, child protection, water sanitation and health related issues.

“The objectives of the intervention programmes are to assist the state in addressing issues facing children and their development in the state.

“At the end of the year, it is important that all partners sit together and analyse achievement and progress made and the challenges encountered and sort out those challenges,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the intervention programmes had helped improved nutrition and education of children in the state.

Adam disclosed that the objectives of the meeting was to present reports on activities implemented in the year 2018; budget analysis, constraints, lessons learned and recommendations for 2019/2020 rolling work plan.

He, however, called on Niger government to hasten the release of its own remaining 2018 counterpart funds.

In his speech, Alhaji Kabiru Abbas, Commissioner for Budget Planning and Special Duties, pledged the state government commitment to investing in education and health of the people.

Abbas, who was represented by Alhaji Musa Dallau, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, assured that the state would continue to ensure prompt payment of its own counterpart funds. (NAN)

– Nov. 27, 2018 @ 13:57 GMT |