Gov Hails DFID On Achievements

Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has described the United Kingdom Department For International Development (DFID) as an indispensable ally in his administration’s resolve to transform the socio-economic and political life of the people of the state.

The governor who spoke at the launching of the Department’s Funded Justice for All programme (JAA) in Enugu said that DFID has helped government to record appreciable achievements in the areas of health, education, capacity building and justice reform.

According to Governor Chime who was represented by his Deputy Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, “the organisation has indeed helped us achieve unprecedented milestones in such areas as health care delivery, educational services, capacity building and justice reforms”.

He, therefore, commended the organisation for the launch of the programme and expressed the hope that it would further help government establish a more capable, accountable and integrated justice sector that is fair, equitable and affordable with sustainable reform momentum and respect among all citizens.

The State Chief Executive restated the commitment of government to cooperate with DFID to ensure speedy realisation of its objectives and make the state a reference point as far as the administration of justice in Nigeria is concerned.

He made it clear that it has been the desire of his administration to establish the fastest, fairest and most reliable system for dispensation of justice and would welcome all needed assistance and support to realise the dream.

In a remark, the National Programme Manager of DFID, Dr. Bob Arnot,  noted that with the programme, the organisation hoped to assist the Enugu State government achieve a more capable and responsive justice sector that is accessible and affordable.

Dr. Arnot stated that DFID would work with other organisations like the police, prisons, civil service officials, society organisations and the anti-corruptions agencies like the EFCC and ICPC to achieve its objectives.

According to him, the extent to which gender influenced security in Nigeria would also be looked into with a view to improving the capability and responsiveness of the key organisations in the safety and justice sector.

The manager disclosed that his organisation is investing 40 million pounds in the programmes covering 5 years in the country.