By Bolaji Ogundele,The Nation
Copyright thenationonlineng
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has pledged to deepen its partnership with Nigeria in actualising key programmes under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with a special focus on health, nutrition, education, and human capital development.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who received a UNICEF delegation led by the country representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, described the renewed collaboration as a step in the right direction.
He commended President Tinubu for redefining the concept of modern leadership in Nigeria through his commitment to bold reforms and youth-focused investments.
In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man of courage and conviction, and he is doing everything possible to redefine the concept of modern leadership in Nigeria.
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“We are on the cusp of regenerating our economy and rebuilding this nation. The gains of our reforms are manifesting by the day, the inflationary trend is on the decline, and by the end of the year, the economy will further stabilize for all to see”, Shettima said.
The Vice President highlighted ongoing flagship initiatives such as the Nutrition 774 Initiative, the Nutrition Intervention Fund, and the drive for economic and financial inclusion, stressing that the administration remains committed to forging alliances with UNICEF and other partners to scale up impact.
He described President Tinubu as a leader determined to transform the education sector and invest in Nigeria’s youth for the nation’s long-term growth.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s long-standing collaboration with UNICEF, Shettima noted: “We have worked with your colleagues on different programmes across the country in the past and I believe that your coming will bring on board new experience, exposure and the capacity for value addition to what we are doing.”
In her remarks, Ms. Abdelatef praised the administration’s commitment to nutrition, education, and human capital development.
She singled out the government’s efforts on nutrition, particularly the Nutrition 774 Initiative, the Nutrition Intervention Fund, and the Nutrition Bill, describing the vision as “clear and realisable.”
The UNICEF country representative also lauded Vice President Shettima’s personal dedication to humanitarian causes, calling him “a global citizen,” and assured him of UNICEF’s unwavering support in aligning with the priorities of President Tinubu’s administration.
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s readiness to support the Federal Government in its push to strengthen education, expand opportunities for the girl child, and ensure improved well-being for children and families across the country.
