The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin Ige, has assured his commitment and support towards promoting UNICEF’s mission in Oyo State.
During a courtesy visit from the UNICEF team on Wednesday, the Olubadan, represented by Maye Olubadan Chief Olalekan Alabi, expressed his readiness to support the organization’s efforts to protect children’s rights.
Emphasizing Ibadan’s historical significance in Nigeria, including being home to the country’s first teaching hospital, university, and television station, the monarch highlighted the importance of UNICEF’s objectives.
He expressed confidence that UNICEF’s goals, such as reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, would be furthered through this collaboration.
“Ibadan is the home of first in Nigeria. Ibadan has been at the forefront of political, information, social, and economic development in Nigeria.
“To mention just a few, the first teaching hospital, the University College Hospital (UCH) was established in Ibadan, the first university in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan was established in 1948, and the first television station in Africa was established in Ibadan.
“Thus, the objectives of UNICEF towards the reduction of maternal mortality, infant mortality, and other social and health problems will be realised now that you have visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
UNICEF’s team leader, Mohammed Okorie, explained that the visit aimed to seek the Olubadan’s assistance in raising awareness among parents and guardians about children’s rights.
He urged the monarch and local leaders to encourage community engagement with UNICEF services, including antenatal care and support for healthcare institutions.
UNICEF Donates Oxygen Plant
Meanwhile in Rivers State, Nigeria about a month ago, UNICEF in partnership with the Government of Rivers State, IHS Nigeria, and the Government of Canada, have handed over a cutting-edge medical oxygen plant and oxygen delivery devices to the General Hospital in Eleme.
The handing over was said to be a significant achievement towards improving maternal, newborn, and child health in Rivers State and across Nigeria.
UNICEF’S Donation you should know
- In 2020, UNICEF allocated $25 million to support Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including providing health supplies and strengthening healthcare systems.
- In 2021, UNICEF donated $4.5 million towards cholera response efforts in the Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives.
- In 2017, UNICEF’s financial resources in Nigeria nearly doubled, growing from $227 million in 2016 to $419 million, reflecting increased humanitarian needs in conflict-affected regions like northeast Nigeria.
- UNICEF also funded $3.7 million in 2021 for educational programs that targeted out-of-school children in northern Nigeria.
About UNICEF
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established in 1946 to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries devastated by World War II.
It became a permanent part of the United Nations system in 1953 and shifted its focus to long-term humanitarian and developmental assistance for children and mothers in developing countries.
In later years of it’s establishment, UNICEF so far operates in over 190 countries and territories, advocating for the protection of children’s rights, ensuring equitable access to services like education, health, clean water, and sanitation.
The organization also plays a key role in emergencies, providing life-saving supplies and services in response to conflicts, natural disasters, and pandemics in different countries.
UNICEF works in collaboration with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and local communities, to ensure children have the opportunity to survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential.
