Zamfara state government has sought the support of the European Union, EU to address security challenges, improve education, revamp health service delivery and many others in the state..
The support was sought by Gov Dauda Lawal when he met with European Union, EU ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi at her office.
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A press statement signed and issued by Nuhu Salihu Anka,
Director General, Media and Communication said Governor Dauda, who intimated the EU delegation on the current situation of Zamfara State especially on education, security, health, economy, youth empowerment, among others, said the state is in dire need of strong relationship with them to revamp the state.
He noted that the state is in need of support from the European union particularly on security which remain prerequisite to any development, as well as support in other sectors that include Education especially girl child education, health care, water supply, rural and urban development.
Other sectors that need support as mentioned by his excellency are, skills acquisition for development and productivity which in turn will help in reducing criminal activities in the state which needs to be prioritized by the European Union in its intervention projects.
His excellency also appealed to the EU to give special intervention to revive the health sector by provision of modern equipments, instruments, manpower and other materials needed to have a standard health care delivery more importantly the primary health care facilities.
The executive governor who also revealed to the ambassador some of his administration’s reform agenda said, so far he was able to downsize the cost of governance in the state, by reducing the number of ministries from twenty eight (28) to sixteen active ministries to be maned by competent officers of vast experience and integrity in public service, adding that he also reduced the number of permanent secretaries with a view to reducing overloading the entire civil service and reduce cost and ensure effective system of governance.
Earlier speaking, Ambassador Samuela Issopi who led the E.U’s delegation on the courtesy visit said there is need for vibrant corporation with Nigeria on security more especially in the Northwest.
Ambassador Issopi said the EU will corporate with Zamfara State government especially on Climate change, educational development, active participation in good governance, women right, child right act implementation among others.
She congratulated governor Dauda Lawal on his election victory, saying the European Union has planned to visit some states and Zamfara state is listed amongst the first states to be visited.
