By Murtala Muhammad
The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has expressed readiness to sustain its partnership with the Bauchi State Government, particularly in the areas of health, agriculture, economic empowerment and adolescent support.
Head of Development Cooperation, Global Affairs Canada High Commission in Nigeria, Mr Arash Irantalah stated this during a courtesy visit to Governor Bala Mohammed at Government house in Bauchi,
Our Correspondent reports that the visit was part of a four-day working visit embarked by the Commission and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria’s Country Office, Abuja.
Mr Arash Irantalah who led the commission’s delegation and that of UNICEF Nigeria, for inspection and assessment of the two organisation’s grant support in the state, expressed satisfaction that the partnership over the years was fruitful.
Also speaking, the UNICEF Nigeria’s Deputy Country Representative, Ms Rownak Khan commended the State Government for the payment of ₦300 million naira matching grant into the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) and the provision enabling working environment.
She said such commitment was apt and should be sustained with all seriousness, considering a huge number of malnourished children that need urgent intervention in the state.
Responding, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State said his administration hasd last year exhibited high sense of responsibility by injecting over ₦800 million in the Primary Health Care MoU basket fund, which UNICEF, the Gates and Dangote Foundations were part.
Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Auwal Muhammad Jatau appreciated the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria and UNICEF for their numerous interventions in the state, noting that the impacts were obvious in his administration.
He expressed continued commitment and collaboration towards improving the lives of citizens across the state.
