UN commends Ugwuanyi’s investment in peace, security,

The United Nations (UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State “for the ongoing investments in infrastructure and human capital development with notable progress in education, healthcare and economic growth”. 

The UN Resident Coordinator, who spoke during a working visit to Enugu State, yesterday, where he interacted with Ugwuanyi represented by his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and members of the State Executive Council (EXCO), also commended the governor’s regional push for the Southeast to work in unity to advance the peace and development of the region as well as his ongoing efforts at addressing insecurity.

“You (Ugwuanyi) are indeed a champion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in action and service to your people in Enugu State,” Kallon added, while applauding the state government “for the investments made in enhancing security in the State”. 

He urged the governor to continue to strengthen his administration’s investment in security institutions “to create an enabling environment for peace and security and nurture a whole of society approach in managing security in the state.”

The UN Resident Coordinator disclosed that the mission to Enugu State was “to reinforce the partnership between the UN and the Enugu State Government; to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerate implementation of the SDGs to build back better; and to continue to create durable solutions for economic transformation in the state.”

According to him, “I want to commend Enugu State for the optimal COVID-19 response in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic is with us for a long time, until 70 per cent of the population is vaccinated. The emergence of new variants in some parts of the world remains a major concern as the virus mutates.

“I encourage the Enugu State authorities to continue to own and lead by example in containing the virus and hold institutions and organisations accountable to ensure compliance with the non-pharmaceutical measures,” he added.

Earlier in his welcome address, Ugwuanyi, through his deputy, Ezeilo, welcomed Kallon and his entourage to Enugu and appreciated the UN for its contributions to the development of the state in particular and Nigeria in general. Ezeilo said the state government needed “the services and support of the UN more than ever before.”