Anambra, UNICEF Sign MDGs Agreement

The Anambra State Government on Friday in Awka signed the 2010  Programme Implementation Agreement with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), reports our correspondent.

Gov. Peter Obi signed for the government while the Chief of UNICEF “A” Office, Mrs Pelucy Ntambirweki, signed for the development partner.

In his speech, Obi expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s support to the government’s vision targeted at achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ahead of time.

 He assured the development partner of the government’s commitment in the implementation of the programme, stressing that the welfare of children would remain the top priority of his administration.The governor disclosed that immediately after his inauguration for a second term, he would begin the rebuilding and equipping of schools with the necessary facilities.Also speaking, the state’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Stella Okunna, observed that the government’s partnership with UNICEF had enriched the lives of women, children and the entire citizenry of the state.

Okunna described the signing ceremony as significant for the state because it underscored the “great heights” the state had reached in the implementation of donor supported programmes.

“Anambra is the first state to sign the 2010 implementation agreement with UNICEF.“This was also the case with the 2009 agreement.  This is a testimony to the state’s commitment to our partnership with UNICEF and our resolve to maintain our premier position in the implementation of UNICEF supported programmes in Nigeria,” she said.

In her remark, Ntambirweki noted that the governor’s re-election was an opportunity for him to continue his commitment to the well being of children in the state.

She said the fund was encouraged by the government’s commitment as well as its proactive and far sighted initiatives to expand and extend the gains of the partnership.