A high-level United Nations delegation, led by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Mohammed Malik Fall, paid a courtesy visit to the Kaduna State Government House on Monday, commending the state’s health sector for notable progress in eradicating vaccine-derived polio.
The delegation was received by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who represented Governor Uba Sani. The visit formed part of a condolence mission following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a leader whom the UN described as a "longstanding friend" of the organization.
“We came here today to visit the family of the late President Muhammadu Buhari because we know what he represented for Nigeria, for Kaduna State, and for the United Nations,” said Mr. Fall. “As President, he led initiatives that directly supported UN interventions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mr. Fall highlighted Buhari’s early international contributions, including his time as a UN peacekeeper in Congo, underscoring the late leader’s enduring connection with global diplomacy and humanitarian efforts.
The visit was not only ceremonial but also strategic, as UN officials met with Kaduna’s commissioners across Health, Youth and Sports, Business Innovation and Technology, and Social Development to review areas for expanded collaboration—particularly in fast-tracking the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Northwest.
A representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) praised Kaduna State for achieving six consecutive months without any reported cases of vaccine-derived polio, calling it a significant public health milestone. This progress reflects Kaduna’s strong immunization efforts and broader commitment to disease prevention.
In her remarks, Deputy Governor Balarabe described the UN as a “true friend of Kaduna State,” expressing appreciation for the longstanding collaboration in health, education, and humanitarian sectors.
“Your visit is not just symbolic, but deeply meaningful. The UN has stood with us through crises and development challenges. We welcome this renewed partnership to advance the SDGs in our communities,” she said.
The UN delegation departed for Daura in Katsina State afterward to continue condolence visits with the Buhari family.
The commendation from the United Nations is well-deserved—six months without vaccine-derived polio is a major achievement, especially in a region with historically fragile healthcare systems. But as we at Stone Reporters News reflect on this visit, it’s important to separate symbolism from substance.
Despite the glowing remarks, Kaduna still faces significant challenges in achieving broader SDG targets, particularly:
High out-of-school children rates;
Youth unemployment;
Poor access to clean water in rural LGAs;
And underfunded social welfare systems.
The UN’s visit signals international goodwill—but goodwill must lead to accountability. It is critical that both the UN and Kaduna State Government:
Publish measurable indicators of SDG progress in Kaduna;
Ensure follow-up mechanisms for the discussions held with commissioners;
And build transparency into the partnerships being formed.
Governor Uba Sani’s administration must use this opportunity to move from health-specific wins to holistic development strategies that reflect the broader vision of the SDGs.
The people of Kaduna—and the international community—deserve more than handshakes and high-level meetings. They deserve action, inclusion, and progress.
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🖊️ Compiled by the Stone Reporters News Editorial Desk
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