If Only All Nigerian Governors Can Be Like Gov. Aregbesola Of Osun State – UNICEF
United Nations Children Education Fund, UNICEF Country representative, in Nigeria, Jean Goll has asked other state governors in the country to emulate the social protection policy programmes of their Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola.
Goll stated this on Wednesday during a courtesy call on Ogbeni Aregbesola in Osogbo.
The UNICEF reps described the school feeding programme and Agba Osun Welfare Scheme of Osun State as policies that were adding value to the lives of pupils and the elderly, saying they would be lasting legacies the administration would bequeath to the state.
Describing education as the foundation for development, the UNICEF official said she was impressed by the infrastructure she saw in the newly constructed schools she visited.
According to Goll, the school feeding, in addition to serving as encouragement and catalyst for pupils to stay in schools and learn are very rich in nutritional values.
“Having gone round the schools, UNICEF is encouraged by the tremendous progress the state has made since the administration came on board.
“The interview granted to us by some of the recipient of the Agba Osun welfare scheme has demonstrated goodwill as well as political will of the government to live lasting legacy in the minds of the people.
“UNICEF is ready to partner with government at different levels of interaction on what strategies to be employed to ensure that 2014 to 2017 UNICEF activities in the state are successful,” she said.
Gov. Aregbesola in his response said people were the principal factor in development and that the six-point integral action of the government was focused on impacting on the populace.
He said the continuation of the social protection policy of his administration was his reason for seeking the mandate of the people for the second time.
According to him, governments were either popular or not depending on how the governed were affected.
“You cannot find a better, willing and ready partner in the administration of Osun.
“We need you with every passion; we need you to partner with us because this administration sees the people in the image of God.” Aregbesola said.
Director General, Office of the Economic Development and Partnership, Office of the Governor, Charles Akinola, in his speech said the UNICEF partnership with the state at this level would further encourage the administration in its commitment to impact the lives of the people, especially the youths and the aged.