UNFPA initiates 3-point transformative agenda for Nigeria

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has initiated a three-point transformative agenda for Nigeria. The fund’s acting Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Eugene Kongnyuy, announced this in his opening remarks at a review meeting with Implementing Partners on Thursday in Abuja. The three-day meeting would deliberate on the 2018 activities and plan for 2019 interventions. Kongnyuy explained that the three-point transformative agenda are geared toward ending maternal death, ending unmet needs of Family Planning (FP) and ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) plus all harmful practices in the country. He added that states affected by humanitarian and natural disasters would also be supported to cushion the effects on victims. “We (UNFPA) will continue to strengthen results of our interventions through effective monitoring. We want something new that will enable us achieve the results; we have achieved but we want to do more,’’ the official said. He therefore challenged the Implementing Partners (IPs) to make meaningful contributions toward the growth of Nigeria. According to him, the meeting will also consider the IPs work plans for 2019 under the fund’s eighth Country Programme (CP8) to avoid the pitfalls of the preceding year. He added that “UNFPA expect increased understanding of the CP8 priority areas, the transformative results and the commitment, cooperation and partnership required for successful implementation. “We also expect improved team spirit from participating IPs, as well as staff of UNFPA”. Kongnyuy said that the meeting would develop result-oriented work plans with key indicators and milestones to track progress in 2019. Declaring the meeting open, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, assured that the ministry would not fail in its coordination and supportive roles. Represented by the Deputy Director, International Cooperation, Dr Sanjo Fanniran, said the Federal Government was keenly interested in delivering development programmes. He urged participants to make use of such opportunities to build their individual and national capacities. The IPs attending the meeting include Federal Ministries of Budget and National Planning, Health, Youths and Sports, Women Affairs, FCT and Education. Others are the National Population Commission, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and research institutes. Similarly, some NGOs like the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), Well Being Foundation Africa, Fistula Foundation, Marie Stopes, Youth Hub Africa, C4C and EVA are also attending. The meeting, which will end on Friday, is expected to produce actionable next steps for the development of Nigeria