By Paul Effiong, Abuja
United Nations Assistant Secretary General, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa has commended the federal government alongside the National Assembly for voting over $200 million for healthcare services.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu.
According to the statement, the commendation followed the withdrawal of funding assistance by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID.
Eziakonwa, who is also the African Regional Director for the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, lauded Nigeria’s action which she said had set a precedence on the black continent.
By filling the funding gap, Eziakonwa said Nigeria had demonstrated leadership in looking inward to improve the lives of its people rather than relying solely on foreign donors.
“I was in New York when I got the news that when USAID withdrew funding from Nigeria, where it is funding a lot in the health sector, the National Assembly sat down and voted $200 million to fill the gap. I felt proud as a Nigerian, because that is what makes governance. You cannot outsource the health of the population.
“So, while other countries were in panic, New York Times was carrying headlines of people dying because of the withdrawal and Nigeria was saying we got this. I felt that is leadership.
“So, I say to the National Assembly, kudos. That is Nigeria leading by example because every country in Africa should follow suit and say our people’s lives matter. This is a priority for us. It is our responsibility to not let our people die,” she said.
In his response, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu requested for a strategic partnership, particularly on the ongoing constitutional reforms, gender bills, seat reservation and political inclusion.
Earlier in his presentation, Kalu had emphasised the progress made in the constitutional review process and areas for collaboration with UNDP which include advancing women’s participation in politics and governance, peacebuilding, capacity development and civic education.
He also commended UNDP for its invaluable contributions to sustainable development across various sectors of Nigeria, Africa and the world in general, while also lauding the outstanding work of Eziakonwa, who he described as an exemplary Nigerian making global impact.
