Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians.
Shettima made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), headed by its Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem.
The Vice President highlighted that the administration’s resolve is evident in various policies and programs outlined by the government.
He further emphasized that the Renewed Hope administration is dedicated to leveraging the potential of the country’s substantial population. Additionally, he stressed the importance of not just numbers but also the quality of those numbers.
Shettima also said that the administration’s focus on women and children was premised on the fact that “the health and vitality of any nation is measured by the way women and the girl child are treated.
“By educating the girl child, we can transform our communities into better places for everyone,” he added.
He appreciated the support of the UNFPA for Nigeria over the years, adding that the Federal Government, under the leadership of Tinubu, had identified with the aspirations and goals of the UNFPA.
He added that “the UNFPA is one organisation that has identified with the challenges of the Nigerian nation over the decades.
“You are doing a wonderful job; you have continued from where your predecessor, the late Babatunde Osotimehin, stopped.”
Kanem, in her remarks, stated that her trip to Nigeria primarily aimed at the regional launch of the 2024 State of World Population (SWOP) Report, which assesses advancements and remaining challenges since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo.
She stressed the necessity of an accurate census to leverage demographic advantages and promote comprehensive development.
During discussions, Kanem praised Nigeria’s endeavors in empowering women and girls, acknowledging the nation as a notable model.
She reiterated UNFPA’s dedication to alleviating the struggles encountered by women and girls, particularly through initiatives like midwife training, while also stressing the imperative of preventing maternal mortality.
According to the reports, the unveiling of the SWOP report, an annual event organized by the fund, has adopted the theme “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World” for the year 2024.
The report underscores the considerable disparities encountered by African women, who confront a 130-fold greater risk of maternal mortality compared to women in Europe and Northern America.
It also stresses that more than half of preventable maternal deaths happen in nations grappling with crises and conflicts.
The report highlights the elevated maternal mortality rates among women of African heritage in the Americas, along with the heightened vulnerability experienced by indigenous women and women with disabilities.
The launch of the report, slated for Wednesday in Abuja, will convene essential stakeholders, policymakers, and representatives from diverse sectors to deliberate on its discoveries.