The European Union (EU), in partnership with the United Nations (UN) and the the Nigerian government, has launched three transformative projects aimed at strengthening health services, social protection and community resilience in Sokoto State and across the country.
The launch, which took place at the Sokoto Government House, drew high-level participation including the EU Ambassador, Gautier Mignor, who led eight other EU Ambassadors of Sweden, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Finland, Belgium, Denmark and Germany.
Prominent on the delegation are UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate; country director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Dr Vanessa Phala; UNFPA resident representative, Dr. Gifty Addico and the country director of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Pierre Mendiharat.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, represented by the deputy governor, Idris Gobir, said “the three projects which the EU launched in Sokoto include Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH), Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), and Support for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions.”
He said the projects are not only timely but also perfectly aligned with the developmental priorities of the current administration.
“These initiatives are directly aligned with our government’s 9-point smart innovative agenda, particularly in the areas of healthcare, social welfare and protection for the most vulnerable members of our society,” he said.
The €60 million projects, designed to tackle key challenges affecting millions of Nigerians particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities, will be implemented between 2024 and 2027.
At the launch, the EU Ambassador reaffirmed the EU’s deep commitment to equity and inclusion saying, “The EU is proud to invest in Nigeria’s future through programmes that leave no one behind-whether it is better healthcare, livelihood support or social protection.”
Similarly, the UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, emphasised the importance of resilience and system strengthening noting that, “Social protection is a vital mechanism for reducing poverty and promoting inclusive development. And through SARAH, we are improving healthcare access for girls and mothers. Together with the EU, ILO, UNFPA and DRC, we are helping Nigeria build strong systems that protect every child.”
DRC’s Pierre Mendiharat added that the programmes are community-driven, with action plans based on local priorities to ensure lasting and inclusive solutions.
At the Sultanate council, Mignor told Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar of the EU’s determination to partner with the Sultanate, while stressing the council’s role in addressing humanitarian challenges in Nigeria.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar expressed optimism that the high-powered delegation, which include eight other Ambassadors from EU member states in Nigeria, sends a strong message against those who paint the country in bad light.
The Sultan assured that religious and traditional leaders would work hand-in-hand with the state government to ensure the successful implementation of the projects.
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