The UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, has commended the Enugu State Government for its investment in education and other social services, describing the State as an example of what strong leadership can achieve.
She spoke on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Governor Peter Mbah at the Enugu State Government House.
The UNICEF team is in Enugu on a tour of duty, led by its Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, and accompanied by senior members of the organisation’s diplomatic team.
But beyond the protocol of a courtesy call, UNICEF came with appreciation for what it said it has seen in the State, particularly the Governor’s investment in education, which the organisation says has gone beyond the 20 percent benchmark it advocates for.
Saeed wants deeper partnership between UNICEF and the Enugu State Government, saying the organisation is looking to build on what the State has already achieved and explore new ideas that can further improve the lives of children and families.
Governor Mbah says the visit provides an opportunity to move beyond speeches and have practical conversations, adding that he is excited about bringing UNICEF’s knowledge and global experience to bear on the State’s development.
For the Governor, spending on human capital is not an expense but an investment, saying it is better to tackle poverty and social challenges today than face their consequences tomorrow.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
