The government of Cross River State in southern Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to implement a 3-year work plan for child rights protection developed in partnership with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The Acting Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Peter Odey gave the assurances in Calabar, the state capital during the visit of the UNICEF chief representative from the Enugu field office, Juliet Chiluwe and her team.
Dr. Odey, who expressed appreciation to the UNICEF Enugu field office for collaboration with Cross River government, emphasized that the premium focus of the administration was putting the People First, which included children.
According to the acting governor, “We appreciate your efforts towards the development of this work plan, which is expected to cover 2025 – 2027. In Cross River State we prioritise our children and women.
“Our administrative mantra is actually ‘People First’ and this is evident in the interventions we have made since we come on board. We assure you that through the relevant agencies and ministry, we would implement this work plan. Like our said, the wellbeing and development of our children and women remains our priority,” he emphasized.
In her remarks, the UNICEF Chief representative at the Enugu field office, Juliet Chiluwe said that she was in Cross River State on an advocacy campaign for the implementation of the 2025-2027 work plan for the rights of children and women.
Chiluwe poured encomiums on the governor, Senator Bassey Otu for what she described as “Sterling leadership as a great advocate for the welfare of women and children in Cross River.”
The Chief of the Enugu field office acknowledged the commitment of the Cross River State government, noting “this is a sign of your desire to collaborate with UNICEF to improve child health indices in your state and Nigeria in general.
She explained further, “The key intervention actions for the 2025-2027 work plan are: Health, Nutrition, Education, Child Protection, Social Policy and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene).”
In separate remarks, the Cross River State Commissioner for International Donor Co-ordination, Dr. Hipolatus Lukpata, expressed confidence that the 2025-2027 work plan would strengthen previous efforts made in that regard.
Lukpata, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Anthony Effiom, noted that the State had made significant achievements in guaranteeing the education , health and protection of women and children.
The meeting climaxed with the acting governor, Dr. Peter Odey signing the 2025-2027 UNICEF/ Government Of Cross River State Work Plan.
The work plan is expected to be distributed to the relevant government agencies for implementation.
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