By Ankeli Emmanuel
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, (NSCIA) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar (III), says he will continue to collaborate with UNICEF and other Agencies on development programmes, especially girl-child education.
The Sultan was speaking in his palace in Sokoto when he received a delegation of UNICEF from Abuja, Kano and Sokoto, who paid him an advocacy, as well as farewell visit.
Sultan who said Sokoto state was yet to reach its desired target, added that they were not disappointed with the speed they were moving towards education for all.
According to him steps were being taken to hold a “keeping girls in school” summit, aimed at improving girl-child education.
While bidding farewell to Mohameden Fall, UNICEF Chief of Field Office Sokoto who is retiring, the Sultan said the departure of Fall, who is a friend, will be greatly missed.
“We wish our friend, Mohameden Fall all the best. Though, he is leaving yet he is with us in spirit, because of the good relationship we share,” said the Sultan.
The Sultan further stressed that they are always happy to receive officials of the UN and every other donor that can help make the society a better place for all, adding also that, “help is the most important thing in life. Without help, people cannot do anything”.
Talking of how the Covid-19 pandemic negatively affected almost every sphere of human endeavour, the Sultan decried that some people in Africa and Nigeria still don’t believe that Covid-19 is real.
“Covid-19 stalled many things. But now things are getting better, though not really back to normalcy but much better,” said the Sultan.
Speaking earlier, the Deputy Representative of UNICEF Nigeria, Ms Rushnan Murtaza, and Dr Aboubacar Kampo, the Director, Health Section, UNICEF Headquarters, New York, both appreciated the support and contributions of the Sultan which according to them has greatly helped, over the years, in their programmes in Nigeria and Sokoto in particular.
While appealing for more collaborations especially in the education and health sectors, Dr Aboubacar said, “We do want to believe that your great influence and vision will help us to achieve more results in the country.”
Also, on the UNICEF delegation were Mr. Maulid Warfa, Ag. Chief, Field Coordination Services and Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano; Ms. Raganai Matema, Health Manager, Sokoto Field Office; Paula, Health Section Abuja and Mr Samuel Kaalu, Communication Specialist at the UNICEF Kano Field Office.
