Kwara and three other states were named as recipients of the N10 billion Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) health intervention programmes for 2021.https://scudnewsng.com
A statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on Tuesday in Ilorin, listed Sokoto, Edo and Ogun as other recipient states.
Ajakaye, who quoted Ubon Udoh, Managing Director of ASR Africa, said that ASR has committed N2.5 billion to each of the four benefitting states in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the intervention was a continuation of the initiative’s $100 million Africa Fund for social development within Nigeria and the African continent.
The statement added that ASR has identified and commenced implementation of development needs in healthcare, education and social development within the country and beyond.
“In addition to this and based on our sub-national healthcare needs assessment, ASR Africa has now decided to commit N2.5 billion each to four states within Nigeria, Ogun, Kwara, Sokoto and Edo States.
“This expanded grant will be dedicated towards healthcare interventions from maternal and child health to health infrastructure, capacity development, amongst others.
“We will develop mutual accountability frameworks with the state implementation teams after which 50 per cent of the grant will be disbursed immediately to commence implementation of the projects.
“The remaining 50 percent will be released in line with agreed delivery milestones.”
Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative was established in 2021 to support sustainable development initiatives in the health, education, and social development within Nigeria and the rest of Africa, every year.
Ajakaye said Governor AbdulRazaq commended the ASR Africa Initiative for including Kwara in the intervention.
He said the intervention would help to consolidate the administration’s investments and achievements in the health sector.
“We sincerely thank Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu for this huge humanitarian gesture which is a continuation of his support for the state over the years.
“The government, for the record, remains immensely grateful for the support it received from Alhaji Abdul Samad and the BUA Group in the teeth of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.
“We look forward to enduring relationship with the conglomerate.”
