The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has attributed the huge success recorded in the implementation of the programme in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria, to the strong commitment of the State Government and the purposeful leadership provided by Governor Peter Obi.

The UNICEF Chief of Field Office Enugu, Mr. Charles Nzuki, made made this known yesterday at the Governor’s Lodge in Awka during the signing of the 2013 Programme Plan of Implementation Agreement with the state government. He assured that the agency would scale up intervention in promoting early childhood survival through aggressive fight against childhood killer diseases and providing every child opportunity to develop full potential and contribute in building the society.

Nzuki, who signed for UNICEF, disclosed that they have commenced interventions in some areas devastated by the recent flood disaster, specifically Anambra East and West as well as Ogbaru.

Governor Obi who signed for Anambra State Government, in his speech said that Anambra’s partnership with UNICEF was yielding the expected dividend and assisting that it was assisting the state in its drive to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). He assured that the state government would continue to fulfill its commitment to improve the welfare of children.

News Express learnt that the 2013 programme will gulp N272 million, out of which the state government is paying a counterpart contribution of N100 million while UNICEF provides the balance.

Speaking, the Chief Authorizing Officer of UNICEF and EU Programmes, Professor Chinyere Okunna, said the state was the first to sign the programme agreement in the country which she noted was a testimony of the State’s strong commitment to the programme.

Professor Okunna, who is the Anambra Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, recalled that the state was blacklisted by UNICEF and other donor agencies before the inception of Governor Obi administration.

•Photo shows Gov. (left), Professor Chinyere Okunna (middle) and the UNICEF Chief of Field Office Enugu, Mr. Nzuki yesterday at the Governor’s Lodge during the signing of the 2013 Programme Plan of Implementation Agreement with UNICEF.