The Delta State Government has released N100 million counterpart funding for the United Nation’s Children Education Fund (UNICEF) water and sanitation programmes.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa spoke yesterday in Asaba, the state capital, on the release of the fund when he hosted the Head of UNICEF Field Office in the Southsouth, Mr Wilbroad Ngambi.
The governor noted that despite the nation’s economic challenges, his administration would continue to engage in activities that would make life meaningful for the people.
He said: “As part of our partnership with UNICEF on the water/sanitation programmes, we have released N100 million as our counterpart fund. Within the next few weeks, we will release another N100 million.
“The delay in the release of funds was because of the economic situation of the country.
“We have noted the areas in which you have intervened and is still intervening in the state, especially in issues concerning maternal and child health care. We hope to stay strong in our partnership with you for the development and benefits of our people. We promise to do our best to release funds within our limits.”
Praising the UNICEF for its programmes, Okowa said: “Delta State has over 400 primary health centres and we will support the local government areas to make the health centres functional and responsive to the health needs of our people…”
Ngambi said UNICEF would continue to partner the state government to protect the rights of the children, strengthen immunisation, maternal and child health care, including family planning.