The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for his innovative approaches to improving child health and nutrition.
The governor’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of its citizens according to UNICEF has yielded significant results, which has earned Cross River global recognition.
The commendation by UNICEF in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the organisers said, underscores Cross River State’s shared commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its children, paving the way for a brighter future.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr Bong Duke, said the outstanding achievements in four key areas which includes: extended paid maternity leave for nursing mothers from 4 to 6 months of paid leave, is to promote better work-life balance and childcare.
Duke, who was represented at the event by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Dr. Inyang Asibong, explained that the commendations for outstanding achievements was as a result of the people’s first policy of Governor Bassey Otu’s led administration.
Asibong who said the landmark delineated the budget line for nutrition established under the supervision of the State Planning Commission, showing demonstrable commitment to address malnutrition.
The gathering which brought together the Technical Working Group (TWG) and stakeholders from select states to discuss and validate the Situation Analysis of Children in Nigeria was a welcome development for the state to improve on its current achievements.
“Cross River State has been making significant strides in child health and nutrition such as community based initiatives, nutrition education, capacity building of healthcare workers, as well as integrated child health and nutrition in its people first development agenda.
“Let me on behalf of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu express our heartfelt gratitude to the UNICEF team for their continued support to Cross River State. Let me also emphasized that Governor Bassey Otu remains committed to supporting children’s welfare and social needs and ensuring that they get to their full potential.
“I also extend our appreciation as a state to the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning officials for acknowledging the state’s efforts.
“The release of matching funds by UNICEF to support the provision of essential foods and commodities to combat malnutrition, and enhanced engagement in Optimal Maternal and Newborn Care and Health activities”, Asibong explained.
The national Child Situation Analysis validation workshop organized by the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning held at Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja showcased Cross River State government’s commitment to improving child health and nutrition, aligning with UNICEF’s goals to end child poverty through investments in health, nutrition and social protection.