UNICEF returns warehouse, seeks more collaboration with Enugu govt

The United Nations Childrens Fund, Unicef, has a medical warehouse donated to it by the Enugu State government, sixteen years ago.

In returning the facility, Unicef solicited for more partnership with the State government on child protection, education and nutrition and other aspects that improve childrens welfare.

Unicef made the request in appreciation to the old ties that have existed between the two institutions in support of Child's welfare, emergency preparedness, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

UNICEF Nigeria Deputy Representative (Operations), Dr. Charles Lolika made the request in Enugu, on Wednesday, while handing back the warehouse facility to the state government.

Lolika described the state government's generosity as a productive chapter in their partnership, that has served as a vital logistics hub, supporting programme delivery across Unicef Field Office states.

"Its impact is measured not in structures, but in lives reached and services delivered efficiently. transparently, and at scale," Lolika said.

He stressed that the handover reflects more than the return of a building, but symbolizes trust, shared responsibility, and joint commitment to advancing the wellbeing of children and communities in Enugu State.

"We sincerely thank the Government for its sustained collaboration and confidence in our mandate. This partnership demonstrates what coordinated action can achieve for children. As we move forward in our joint partnerships, your continued support in three areas will further strengthen results," Lolika said.

He pleaded for provision of reliable water supply and essential utilities within the UN Office Complex; Deepened cross-sector collaboration; strengthened co-financing and funding mechanisms to enhance sustainability, ownership, and scale-up of priority interventions.

Receiving keys to the facilities, the state commissioner for health, Prof George Ugwu expressed appreciation to Unicef for it's renovation of the facilities to a appreciable standard and promised to put it the best use.

The Executive Secretary of Enugu State Primary Health Development Agency, Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku said that UNICEF returned the facilities in a better condition than it collected it.

She noted that UNICEF in partnership with another agency had earlier built a state -of-art medical store for the state government which the returned facility will henceforth become a supporting facility.