The Kwara State government has restated its commitment to supporting the rescued residents of Woro community in Kaiama local government area.
As part of its sustained collaboration with development partners and humanitarian organisations, including UNICEF, the government, in collaboration with the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), distributed intervention materials to the beneficiaries in Ilorin, the state capital.
The intervention programme brought together representatives of the Kwara State Government, UNICEF, RUWASSA, the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation, WHO, and E-health Africa, among other stakeholders, to provide immediate support and help improve the wellbeing of the rescued persons from Woro community.
Speaking on the intervention, the commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Yinusa Lade conveyed the appreciation of the state government to UNICEF for its compassion and commitment towards supporting vulnerable people.
Represented by the director of Personnel, Finance and Supply in the Ministry, Mr Bamidele Ajeje, the commissioner noted that the support provided by UNICEF was not merely about the materials presented to the beneficiaries, but also about restoring dignity, strengthening hope and reducing the difficulties faced by the rescued persons.
He assured the gathering that the government would ensure the intervention materials reached the intended beneficiaries appropriately and would be distributed according to the identified needs.
He said the government would continue to provide the necessary support and coordination for interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable residents.
Earlier, the general manager of RUWASSA, Mr Olorunfemi Oladipo, had expressed appreciation to UNICEF for the continued partnership with the agency and the Kwara State government in addressing the immediate and long-term needs of vulnerable communities.
In her remarks, the UNICEF WASH specialist, Mrs Theresa Pamma, said the intervention should not be viewed only as an emergency response but as a deliberate effort to reduce the burden on both the Kwara State government and the beneficiaries while supporting the rescued persons to regain stability and get back on their feet.
Mrs Pamma disclosed that the intervention comprised 200 kits, four cartons of F75 therapeutic food, 30 Mama Kits and 197 dignity kits, explaining that the materials were carefully provided to respond to some of the immediate needs of the affected residents.
