Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has stated that the “people must feel that the government is committed to their welfare, security, and especially on issues of healthcare and education of their children”,
The Vice President spoke on Wednesday, during a farewell courtesy call at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, in Abuja, by the outgoing United Nations, UN, Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President, on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, disclosed this on Thursday, in a statement titled: ‘Engaging with the people and their needs remain our major concern, Osinbajo says’.
Meeting with the outgoing UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Vice President Osinbajo said: “You cannot avoid engaging with the people in such a way that you are trusted, and on an ongoing basis, people should see that you are committed enough to their concerns.
“People must feel that the government is committed to their welfare, security, and especially on issues of healthcare and education of their children. So, a social compact is crucial. As a matter of fact, it is both a current concern and aspiration for those of us who have been fortunate to be elected into positions in government and the politics of our country.”
Earlier, the UN Resident Coordinator raised with the Vice President, the issue of the importance of a social contract between the people and their government, while recounting his experience during his more than 5-year stay in Nigeria, adding that, maintaining peace and security is crucial.
Vice President Osinbajo also commended the support and partnership of development Partners, particularly under the auspices of the United Nations system, coordinated by Kallon over the years, noting that, “we certainly enjoyed the work that you did as UN Resident Coordinator for Nigeria, for the past few years”.
Recalling some of Kallon’s efforts, he said that “practically, on every occasion where we have had to look at serious issues, you have been available, which I think is very important.
“We found that you were very hands-on, you were everywhere, you attended major meetings that we have had and you were all over the country.
“Your being available, and ready to engage is really commendable, and very helpful for us as a government.”
On his part, Kallon thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President, for the support he enjoyed during his tenure as Coordinator of the UN in Nigeria, especially in addressing some of the concerns around humanitarian assistance.
He praised Nigeria’s Covid-19 response, dubbing it a miracle, and commended the Vice President’s commitment and leadership of the economic recovery initiative, noting that, “I am really impressed with your leadership in addressing the impact of Covid-19 in Nigeria”.
He added that Nigeria’s efforts remain a model as to how a well-coordinated national response can deliver positive results and urged the government to explore opportunities in the country as well as creatively manage the risks therein.
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