Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar says he believes in girl-child education and would continue to collaborate with UNICEF and other international donor agencies on development issues.
He affirmed this when a delegation from the UNICEF offices in Abuja, Kano and Sokoto paid him courtesy visit at his Palace on Monday.
The Sultan who disclosed that a “keeping-girls-in-school,” summit would soon be held, admitted that though Sokoto was yet to reach the desired target, the speed with which it is moving towards education for all in Sokoto state, is not disappointing.
Bidding farewell to the UNICEF Chief of Field Office Sokoto, Mohameden Fall who is retiring, the Sultan said the departure of Fall would be 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 said he is always happy to receive officials of the UN and every other donor agency that could 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”.
On Covid-19 pandemic, 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,” he said.
Earlier, the Deputy Representative of UNICEF Nigeria, Ms Rushnan Murtaza and the Director, Health Section, UNICEF Headquarters, New York, Dr Aboubacar Kampo appreciated the support and contributions of the Sultan to UNICEF 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.”
On UNICEF delegation were Mr. Maulid Warfa, Ag. Chief, Field Coordination Services and Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano; Ms. Raganai Matema, Health Manger, Sokoto Field Office; Paula, Health Section Abuja and Mr Samuel, Kaalu the new UNICEF communications specialist.
