…As UNFPA offers $4.5m matching fund to support maternal health, family planning
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has commended the Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his administration’s investments in human capital development, inclusive growth, reproductive health and maternal and child healthcare.
The commendation came as the UNFPA 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.
Muriel Mafico, the UNFPA Resident Representative to Nigeria, disclosed this in Ilorin when she led a delegation of the agency on a courtesy visit to Governor Abdulrazaq at the Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin.
In a statement signed by Mashood Abdulrafiu Agboola,
Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mafico explained that the matching fund was aimed at helping Governments bridge funding gaps in the procurement of reproductive health and life-saving maternal health commodities.
She said Kwara’s commitment to reproductive health and human capital development had positioned the state to benefit from the intervention.
“This is our offer this evening. Four-point-five million dollars is earmarked for Nigeria. As long as there is evidence of procurement of reproductive health supplies, you are able to get the matching funds.
“We recognise your efforts, we recognise your leadership, but we too have to show leadership. We have to invest and co-invest in your vision,” she said.
The UNFPA representative commended Governor Abdulrazaq’s leadership, particularly his administration’s focus on human capital development, inclusive governance and maternal and child health.
“We have seen a lot of movement under your leadership. When I heard about coming for this visit, some of my colleagues were telling me that the Governor is a champion for investing in human capital development.
“You have also been a consistent champion in inclusive leadership. I was also told about the progress that has been made in investing in maternal and child health because we know that investing in people is the best investment we can make for any country.
“You have been named as one of the Governors who really stand for investing in the people,” Mafico said.
Mafico also commended the State Government for the progress recorded under EU-supported projects, including the engagement of more than 100 community midwives, procurement of N1 billion worth of health commodities and training of 400 health workers across the state.
She further praised the administration’s efforts in addressing gender-based violence and ensuring that survivors have access to healthcare through the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“When it comes to gender-based violence, a scourge that permeates across the globe, we have seen Kwara rising to the occasion and ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence are able to benefit from the National Health Insurance Scheme,” she added.
Mafico posits the achievements recorded by the state required strong leadership, coordination and adequate resources, adding that UNFPA was encouraged by the government’s prioritisation of such investments.
“All these initiatives require leadership, coordination and resources. And under your leadership, we have the prioritisation of these investments.
“So, we are here to thank you for leading the initiatives in Kwara and making our lives very simple and easy. When you have leaders who already know the direction they want to take, it is easy to support,” she said.
Responding, Governor Abdulrazaq thanked Mafico and her delegation for the visit and the continued support of UNFPA to the state.
He described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the state government and the agency and to acknowledge its contributions to Kwara’s development.
“This visit is an opportunity to strengthen our longstanding partnership and acknowledge UNFPA’s significant contributions to our development efforts.
“We deeply appreciate UNFPA’s support in adolescent and youth development, reproductive health, women’s empowerment, human capital development and demographic dividend planning,” the Governor said.
Abdulrazaq said UNFPA had supported Kwara in several areas, including technical assistance, capacity building, policy support, data development and strategic planning.
According to him, the interventions have strengthened the capacity of government institutions and personnel to deliver better services to the people.
Mary Arinde, the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, also commended UNFPA for its continued support to the state, assuring that the government would remain committed to efficiency, accountability and transparency in implementing its programmes.
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