BENUE GOVT. PLEDGES SUSTAINED PARTNERSHIP WITH UNICEF

From Avaishima Toom, makurdi

The Benue State government has promised to sustain payment of its counterpart funds to ensure the success of United Nation’s programmes in the state.

Governor Samuel Ortom made the promise recently when the Country Representative of the United Nation’s Children’s Fund, UNICEF , Jean Gough, led other officials on a courtesy call on him at the Benue People’s House, Makurdi.

He explained that his administration was committed to improving all sectors of the state’s economy, pointing out that UNICEF’s partnership with the state government over the years has been most beneficial.

Governor Ortom who acknowledged UNICEF for complementing the state government’s efforts in critical sectors such as health, environment and sanitation, promised that in addition to fulfilling part of its obligation of providing marching grant, his administration was ready for partnership in all sectors.

Earlier, UNICEF  Country Representative, Jean Gough urged the state government to improve the status of primary health care across the state so as to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child.

She noted that Benue was one of the few states of the federation where UN Programmes have thrived.

According to her, UNICEF has invested N10 billion in water and sanitation programs in the state, the result of which the war against open defecation in the rural areas was steadily gaining ground.

She disclosed that plans were underway to embark on a campaign against measles and expressed appreciation to Governor Ortom for demonstrating commitment to the success of UN programs in the state since assumption of office.