By Ankeli Emmanuel (Sokoto)
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar 111, said he would continue to collaborate with UNICEF and every other international donor organizations on development issues while assuring that he believes firmly in girl-child education.
The Sultan who admitted that though they are yet to reach their desired target in terms of education for all, added however that they are not disappointed with the speed they are moving towards mass literacy in Sokoto State.
The Royal father spoke in his palace in Sokoto when a delegation of the UNICEF from both Abuja, Kano and Sokoto paid him a courtesy visit. He disclosed that they will soon be holding a “keeping girls in school,” summit.
While bidding farewell to Mohameden Fall, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Sokoto who is retiring, the Sultan said the departure of Fall, who he described 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.
He 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".
On 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 Manger, Sokoto Field Office; Paula, Health Section Abuja and Mr Samuel, Kalu, the new UNICEF Information Officer. NNL
