FG Calls On Unicef To Key Into FG’s Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Programme

FG Calls On Unicef To Key Into FG’s Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Programme

The Federal Government has urged the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other Development Partners to collaborate on and support the Renewed Hope Agenda Ward-based Development Programme.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, made this urgent call during a courtesy visit by the new UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed.

The programme, which will focus on tackling poverty at the ward level, is expected to lead to an increase in economic activities and encourage the sufficient production of agricultural produce in the country’s 8,809 local communities.

Bagudu noted that since UNICEF has field offices across the country, it is well-positioned to communicate the Federal Government’s interventions at the ward level. The Minister appreciated the support of UNICEF and other development partners, while emphasising that Nigeria is willing to collaborate with development partners to shape the future of multilateralism.

The Minister informed the new representative that Nigeria was in the final stages of reviewing its National Development Plan for 2026-2030 and thus solicited support from development partners for clear commitments. The Minister took the opportunity of the courtesy call to inform UNICEF about the Renewed Hope Agenda Ward-Based Development Programme, which is modelled after India’s programme to stabilise the macro economy following the reforms implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Bagudu wished Ms. Wafaa Saeed success in her new assignment in Nigeria.

The new Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, praised Nigeria’s leadership position in Africa while assuring UNICEF of its full commitment and support in partnering with Nigeria to achieve its national development plans.

The Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, while welcoming the new UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, acknowledged that UNICEF has been a longstanding partner with Nigeria through the Ministry, particularly in the areas of Social and child protection, as well as vulnerability issues. He noted that UNICEF has maintained a good collaboration and partnership with Nigeria on Nutrition and social protection issues, and he hopes for further cooperation, praying that her visit to Nigeria will result in very fruitful outcomes.

Ms. Wafaa Saeed, before she was appointed UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, served as Somalia’s Country Representative. She has achieved much success in advancing children’s rights within a complex and challenging environment.