Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to improving 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, led by its Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem.
“The administration’s determination is evident in the policies and programs planned by the government,” said the Vice President.
He further emphasized the commitment of the Renewed Hope administration to harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s large population. He stressed the importance of quality numbers alongside quantity, stating, “Though there is beauty in numbers, it is also important to have quality numbers.”
Shettima highlighted the administration’s focus on women and children, stating, “The health and vitality of any nation are 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 expressed appreciation for the UNFPA’s support for Nigeria over the years, noting that the Federal Government, under Tinubu’s leadership, identified with the aspirations and goals of the UNFPA. He praised the UNFPA, saying, “You are doing a wonderful job; you have continued from where your predecessor, the late Babatunde Osotimehin, stopped.”
Dr. Kanem, on her part, stated that her visit to Nigeria was primarily for the regional inauguration of the 2024 State of World Population Report.
“The report highlights the progress made and the work that’s also left to be done since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo,” she said.
Kanem emphasized the importance of an accurate census to harness demographic dividends and ensure inclusive development.
During the meeting, Kanem commended Nigeria’s efforts in uplifting women and girls, recognizing the country as a worthy example. She reiterated UNFPA’s commitment to removing the burdens faced by women and girls, particularly through initiatives such as training midwives and ensuring that no woman loses her life during childbirth.
The theme for the launch of the SWOP report, an annual activity by the fund, is “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World.”
The report highlights the significant disparities faced by African women, who experience a 130-fold higher risk of maternal deaths compared to their counterparts in Europe and Northern America. It also emphasizes that over half of preventable maternal deaths occur in countries affected by crises and conflicts.
The report brings attention to the higher maternal mortality rates among women of African descent in the Americas, as well as the increased vulnerability faced by indigenous women and women with disabilities.
The inauguration of the report, scheduled for Wednesday in Abuja, will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors to discuss its findings.
