Tinubu Is Committed To Raising Nigerians’ standard of living – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the administration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to raising Nigerians’ standard of living. Shettima made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit from a delegation of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which was headed by Dr. Natalia Kanem, the organization’s executive director. 

The Vice President claims that some of the government’s planned initiatives and activities show the administration’s resolve. In addition, he stated that while there was beauty in numbers, it was equally critical to have high-quality numbers and that the Renewed Hope administration was dedicated to maximising the potential of the massive population of the nation.

The administration’s emphasis on women and children, according to Shettima, is based on the idea that “the health and vitality of any nation is 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 added.

He expressed gratitude for the UNFPA’s years of assistance for Nigeria and said that the Federal Government, led by Tinubu, had a common understanding of the organization’s objectives.

He added that “the UNFPA is one organisation that has identified with the challenges of the Nigerian nation over the decades.

“You are doing a wonderful job; you have continued from where your predecessor, the late Babatunde Osotimehin, stopped.”

According to Kanem, the main reason for her trip to Nigeria was to attend the regional launch of the 2024 State of World Population (SWOP) Report. The report outlines the achievements to date as well as the ongoing work that has to be done following the 1994 Cairo International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

In order to take advantage of the demographic dividend and guarantee inclusive growth, she highlighted the significance of an accurate census.

Kanem acknowledged Nigeria as a commendable example during the conference and applauded the country’s efforts to uplift women and girls.

 She underlined UNFPA’s dedication to relieving women and girls of their burdens, especially through programmes like midwife training. She also emphasised how crucial it is to make sure that no mother dies while giving delivery.

The topic for the fund’s yearly SWOP report introduction, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), is “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World” for 2024.

It draws attention to the stark differences that African women must contend with—they have a 130-fold increased risk of maternal fatalities when compared to their counterparts in Europe and North America. 

Additionally, it underlines that nations plagued by crises and conflicts account for more than half of maternal deaths that may be prevented. 

The paper highlights the greater incidence of maternal death among African American women in the Americas, along with the heightened susceptibility experienced by Native American women and women with disabilities. 

The report’s launch, which is set for this Wednesday in Abuja, will convene important stakeholders, decision-makers, and representatives from a range of industries to deliberate over its conclusions.