Group photograph of the EU Ambasaador to Nigeria and 9 other Ambassadors and the charge with Sokoto State Deputy Governor during their courtesy visit at Government House, Sokoto. Photos by Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
By ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –
The European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) agencies with DRC Monay launched three Initiatives worth €60 Million in Sokoto with the aim of enhancing social protection, access to health and resilience-building in the state.
The launch officially done by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu had 9 EU Ambassadors from Member States in attendance and also witnessed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar 111, traditional leaders as well as government functionaries.
The initiative, SUSI, SARAH, and SPADS, with funding from European Union (EU), the Government of Nigeria and in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), is to be implemented over a four-year period (2024–2027)
Registering his appreciation on behalf of the government and people of Sokoto State, the governor represented by his deputy, Mohammed Idris Gobir said the initiative is in line with their administration’s 9 point smart agenda, hence promising comprehensive support for the success of the Initiative even as he assured of the establishment of a social protection department in the state.
“Our administration prioritizes the well-being of women, children, and vulnerable populations. These EU-funded initiatives—SUSI, SARAH, and Durable Solutions—will not only improve access to critical services but also build long-term resilience and sustainable systems. Sokoto is proud to champion these efforts.”
Earlier in his speech, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria who led the delegation, Gautier Mignot, said they are desirous to invest in the future of Nigeria.
With this, the EU’s principle of equity and inclusion is giving birth to programmes that, ,””leave no one behind whether it is better healthcare, livelihood support, or social protection”.
Continuing, the EU Ambasaador said the three initiatives launched in Sokoto are part of “”their commitment to long-term, people-centered development and enhanced support, particularly in the North-West of Nigeria.
Giving a breakdown of the projects, to be implemented also in Benue, Oyo and Sokoto States, Mr Mignot, said they include:
“‘Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), jointly implemented by UNICEF and ILO, SUSI aims to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection infrastructure by improving the National Social Register, enhancing management information systems, building institutional capacity, and reinforcing legal and policy frameworks.
“‘Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH), implemented by UNICEF and UNFPA, aims to improve access to high-quality reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition services that are sensitive to gender and the needs of young people, including support for those affected by gender-based violence, in Sokoto, Adamawa, and Kwara States. The project is expected to reach over 45 million children, adolescents, and women over four years.
“Support for Protection, Assistance & Durable Solutions (SPADS), led by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) with partners Pro-Health International (PHI) and Joint IDP Profiling Service (JIPS), this project supports community-led local action plans to promote long-term solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities. It provides livelihoods support, boosts local employment, and strengthens resilience using a climate-smart and inclusive approach””.
On her part, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, said poverty, and inclusivity can only be reduced through social protection which was why UNICEF through SARAH, is improving healthcare access for girls and mothers in Nigeria.
“‘Together with the EU, ILO, UNFPA, and DRC, we are helping Nigeria build strong systems that protect every child.”
Lending her voice to the launch, a visibly joyous ILO Country Director, Dr Vanessa Phala, said with sustainable policy, the legal and institutional foundations are been strengthened for effective social protection.
”We are proud to work alongside government and communities to build structures that ensure dignity for all.”
Towing same path in her short speech, Dr. Gifty Addico, UNFPA Resident Representative in Nigeria, called for equity in healthcare, saying, “Every adolescent and every woman has the right to safe, accessible, and quality healthcare. SARAH ensures these rights are upheld and that girls and women—especially survivors of GBV—are never left behind.”
The Danish Refugee Council Country Director in Nigeria, Pierre Mendiharat, said people must strive for community driven solutions to her challenges.
“This project is based on what communities themselves have identified as priorities. By co-creating Local Action Plans, we are building the foundation for durable, inclusive futures for displaced families and their hosts.”
