More effective collaboration between the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the state of Anambra is being promised to improve the standard of living in the region.
Mr. Ibrahim Conteh, the UNICEF chief field officer for the Enugu A office, who spoke during a visit to the state, said the world body was satisfied with the impact that funds provided by international donor agencies had so far achieved.
Governor Chief Willie Obiano was commended by Conteh, who paid a visit to the state with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, for his achievements in the areas of health, security, and economic growth.
As stated by the UNICEF Director-General, the accomplishments were made in conjunction with the programs of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The headquarters of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, ASHIA; the state Ministry of Health; the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, COOUTH; and the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, were among the places visited by officials from the United Nations organization while in Anambra State.
Following the tour, Mr. Edward Kallon, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, described the emerging projects in the state as laudable and urged Governor Obiano to pass laws that would encourage people to protect and manage such projects properly, as they could be projects that would serve as a foundation for economic growth and advancement in the country.
He commended the governor for incorporating technology into the management of security, assuring him that the United Nations was eager to expand its partnership with the state, including by providing support for the new airport with Migration Data Systems, or MIDAS technology.
Governor Obiano’s transparency, accountability, and fiscal sustainability, according to him, have propelled Anambra ahead of many other states, resulting in the creation of the unique Anambra Choose Your Project Initiative, as well as advancements in agriculture, among other initiatives.
Later, the UN officials met with Gov Obiano at the Governor’s Lodge, where they announced the launch of the Mobile Technology Health Insurance Platform, or MTHIP, which will allow those living in the most remote parts of the state to enroll in the state health insurance scheme without experiencing any difficulties. The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the initiative with funding from the European Union.
Asked about his administration’s efforts to ensure its long-term viability, Gov Obiano expressed confidence that he would hand over the reins to a successor who would have greater reach and capacity to “shoot up the trajectory of today.”
