UNFPA targets Kwara as flagship state under 9th country programme

By Muyideen Aliyu

The Kwara State Government has commended the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for its interventions in providing care for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and for recommending Kwara as the flagship state for its 9th Country Programme.

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs.) Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, praised the organization’s dedication during a courtesy visit by UNFPA representatives to her office.

She lauded the agency’s commitment to the welfare of young girls, women, and children, as well as its ongoing collaboration with the state.

The Commissioner highlighted several key UNFPA interventions, including technical and financial support for the FGM Action Plan 2026–2030, the establishment of an international standard One-Stop Centre, and the creation of an Adolescent-Friendly Corner.

Other notable initiatives include the inauguration of a Technical Working Group on GBV within the Ministry, capacity-building training for staff, and a Training of Trainers (ToT) program on GBV and Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs) covering 270 schools across the 16 Local Government Areas.

The partnership has also led to the establishment of anti-GBV school clubs and various community dialogues aimed at eradicating harmful practices.

Afolashade emphasized that the state government places a high premium on eradicating GBV and will continue to support efforts to completely eliminate it across all parts of Kwara.

The UNFPA Country Liaison Officer, Madam Abbigail Msemburi, noted that the Ministry has been exceptional in executing UNFPA programmes. She described this success as a testament to the state government’s political will to eradicate GBV and HTPs.

Msemburi explained that the Ministry’s activities, policies, and programmes align perfectly with the core values of UNFPA.

She added that Kwara State would be recommended as the flagship destination for the 9th Country Programme because of its strong human capacity and proven ability to deliver on all assigned responsibilities.

The State Focal Person, Mrs. Gloria Enueze, reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to the Ministry.

She assured stakeholders that the One-Stop Centre and Adolescent-Friendly Corner would be completed in record time, providing critical, timely assistance to survivors of GBV and HTPs in the state.