Kuwait pledges support for 200,000 out-of-school children in Nigeria

The State of Kuwait has pledged to support 200,000 out-of-school children in Nigeria.

The country also disclosed that it targets to emerge as the Middle-East regional financial, commercial and cultural centre by the year 2035.

This was according to the country’s ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Salim Khalifa Almuzayen, at the celebration of 64th National Day and 34th Liberation Day anniversary of the State of Kuwait.

Seeking global participation in its Vision 2035, the envoy informed that the State of Kuwait adopts the principle of moderation in its foreign policy, with clear features and frameworks in its diplomatic relations.

According to Almuzayen, Kuwait, since inception, has operated a constitution that encourages inclusive participation in decision-making. This he said, has been a source of pride and honour to the country.

“On this occasion, we would like to refer to the democratic system that distinguished my country since its inception based on a constitution that provides people participation in decision-making, with a clear commitment from the political leadership, which is a source of pride and honor for Kuwaitis.”

On the bilateral ties between Kuwait and Nigeria, the envoy commended “Excellent and historical bilateral relations, which dated back to the 60s of the last century”, adding that the Al-Sabah School built in Kaduna State at the period, not only buttressed the depth of their relations but was also indicated prospects for future cooperation.

He said: “I will like to commend the excellent and historical bilateral relations between the State of Kuwait and the friendly Federal Republic of Nigeria, which extend since the 60s of the last century, as the Al-Sabah School, which was built in Kaduna State in that era, reflected the depth of these historical relations and showed further prospective to develop new horizons for cooperation in various areas between the two friendly countries.”

The envoy also announced that about 200,000 pupils and students will benefit from the “Reaching Out-of-school children project funded by the country in partnership and the United Nations Children’ Fund (UNICEF).

“In this context, I would like to mention the ambitious and pioneer project funded by Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development with distinguished partners and UNICEF in Kaduna State named, “Reaching Out of School Children” Project, which aims to assist over 200,000 students”, he said.

Representing Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Senior Councilor, Middle East and Gulf Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adeolu Okenla, noted that since the establishment of diplomatic contact between the two countries in 1971, and subsequent resident diplomatic representation in January 1981 following the appointment of Charge de Affairs for the Nigerian embassy in Kuwait, the relations between both countries have advanced to the level of ambassadorial representation, including cooperation across political and economic spheres.

The Nigerian government also commended the State of Kuwait for its contribution towards regional peace and development, especially within the Gulf Cooperation Council.

“Nigeria commends the State of Kuwait for its contribution to regional peace and development in the Middle East region, especially within the Gulf Cooperation Council, which include member states such as the State of Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Homan.

“The free education policy of Kuwait from primary school to the university level that has put the country’s total adult literacy to 96.46 per cent is highly commendable, equally among other achievements”, Okenla stated.