The UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, was welcomed at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, on Wednesday by Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
A common commitment to bolstering the state’s child welfare, education, and health was highlighted by the high-level visit.
Christian Aburime, the governor’s press secretary, praised UNICEF in a statement for its extensive efforts to better the lives of children throughout Nigeria.
“UNICEF holds a special place in my heart. Your organisation has made enormous strides in improving the health and education of children across Nigeria, and we are proud to be partners in these efforts,” the governor said.
Reaffirming the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) motto, “Leave no one behind”, Soludo expressed enthusiasm for deeper collaboration with UNICEF across various pillars of social protection.
“Anambra is a worthy partner, and we are ready to collaborate in every aspect of social protection.
“What drives us is results, and we are committed to building that bridge to the future very strongly,” he stated.
UNICEF Congratulates Soludo on Leading and Prioritizing Children’s Welfare.
Christian Munduate, the country representative, spoke during a courtesy call on the Governor at the Lodge Amawbia and applauded the governor for having the political will to invest in health. pic.twitter.com/iYD0KHU7Qq
— Anambra State New Media (@AnambraNewMedia) May 14, 2025
The governor highlighted Anambra’s national and regional recognition by UNICEF as a champion of healthcare reforms, including the provision of free antenatal care, free delivery services, and genuinely free education.
Ms. Munduate commended the governor’s political will and results-driven leadership, stating, “Health and nutrition are not an expenditure, but an investment. We are proud to support your administration in this regard.”
She reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to delivering impact in Anambra through a mix of essential supplies, service delivery support, technical assistance, and policy advocacy.
The discussions also touched on UNICEF’s integrated approach in Nigeria, which blends field-level interventions with strategic partnerships aimed at achieving long-term social development goals.
Ms. Munduate was accompanied by key UNICEF officials: Hamidou Poufon (Chief of Social Policy), Juliet Chiluwe (Chief of Field Office, Enugu), Victor Chima (Social Policy Officer), Ijeoma Onuoha-Onwe (Communications Officer), and Safiya Akau-Knowledge (Management Specialist).
On the Anambra State government’s side were: Dr. Afam Obidike (Commissioner for Health), Ernest Ezeajughi (Chief of Staff to the Governor), and Chiamaka Nnake (Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning).
Both parties reaffirmed their shared vision for equity, inclusiveness, and innovation in promoting the welfare of children and youth in Anambra State.
