Discussions at the meeting centered on the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Partnerships with Sokoto as a pilot state for the North West zone.
Mr. Kallon informed the Governor that Sokoto State has been selected as a pilot state for the implementation of the new UN programme tagged “Delivering as One.” Under this arrangement, UN agencies working in Sokoto State will develop a Joint Five Year Programme and pull resources together.
It is geared towards building synergies for effective programme/projects delivery.
In furtherance of this programme, Mr. Kallon disclosed, a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between the UN agencies operating in Sokoto State (as one body) and the Sokoto State Government.
For effective implementation, he added, Sokoto State Government officials would drive the process and take ownership.
In his response, Governor Tambuwal thanked the UN for its support to Sokoto State over the years. He said that UN interventions have helped in enhancing the state’s human resource development and addressing its peculiar social challenges.
While appreciating the UN for selecting Sokoto State for the “Delivering as One” programme, he pledged never to take the partnership for granted.
Governor Tambuwal reaffirmed the total commitment of his government towards changing the negative social indicators associated with Sokoto State.
His words: “We are concerned about the ugly indicators. It is not something we are proud of. We require sustained assistance to turn things around. We have a robust team in place to work with the UN team to accelerate progress in different areas.”
The Governor disclosed that his administration has put in place a couple of social intervention packages aimed at reducing hardships being faced by the underprivileged in Sokoto State. The government retained an existing package for 6,000 vulnerable persons.
Under this programme, indigent people are given N6,500 monthly. During the just concluded Ramadan, over 9,000 widows and orphans were fed by the Sokoto State Government. Education is free in public primary and secondary schools in Sokoto State. The number of out of school children has been drastically reduced.
Governor Tambuwal finally assured the UN Coordinator of his government’s total commitment to the full implementation of the new programme.
credit –
Aisha Maina
SSA to the governor
New media
