Bauchi state attracts two top international projects from Canada. Launches both today
The state government in collaboration with the Canadian government, Oxfam and Plan International Nigeria, today flagged off two major projects that will impact the Agriculture and Health sectors in Bauchi state.
The first project; Livelihoods Nutrition and Empowerment Project (LINE) is being implemented and supervised by Oxfam and targets the agricultural sector in six LGAs in the state.
The second project aimed at the Health sector, the Bauchi Opportunities for Responsive Neonatal and Maternity Health (BORN) Project will be implemented by Plan International Nigeria. It will be executed in ten Local Government Areas in the state.
Both projects will be funded by the Canadian government and donors, with a total of 13.7 million dollars earmarked for their implementation.
The flag off which took place this morning in Bauchi state had several dignitaries from both Bauchi state and Canada in attendance.
In her remarks, representative of the High Commissioner to Canada, Ms Linda Enrichs said that both projects aligned with the SDG goals set by Nigeria. She said it aligns too with Canada's Global Affairs priorities of supporting empowerment of women; increasing food security; stimulating sustainable economic growth; securing the future of children and youth; advancing democracy; and promoting stability and security.
The Acting Director of Oxfam, Ms Evelyn in her speech said that they were here to discuss big ideas and to contribute, through the projects, their quota to ensure Bauchi state remains on the part of sustainable development. This partnership with the Bauchi state government, she said, will contribute to advancing the four point agenda of the government in Agriculture, Education, Tourism and Health. It will also deliver benefits to the people and reinforce the status of Bauchi state as the beacon of hope in the North East, the home of Tourism and an example of governance that delivers tangible benefits to the people. Ms Evelyn added that by showing political will in support of the project, Gov. Abubakar has put in the final ingredient for the success of the project.
Representing Gov. Abubakar at the event, Arc. Sule Katagum, Chief of Staff to the state government, expressed gratitude for the projects being implemented in the state. He reiterated that Agriculture and Health remains core to the plans of this administration. He said that Governor Abubakar in November last year presented plans to donor partners, with a commitment to partner for development, and it is gratifying to see that the Canadian Government had remained a partner and a friend. He highlighted a similar successful collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) in the improvement of food security to about 2,000 IDPs. The Health sector also received 16% of the state budget this year to show the premium placed on the life of every citizen in the state. He lauded the the great humanitarian efforts of Oxfam, Global Affairs Canada, and Plan International. Finally, he gave assurances of the state government cooperation and support in the implementation of these, and other similar projects in the state.