The government of Cross River State has lauded the social protection policy of UNICEF which seeks to protect children, women and the vulnerable in the society. The commendation was made by the state Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu when UNICEF team paid him a courtesy visit in Calabar.
Prof Esu pointed out that the initiative was in line with the state government plan for the people.
He identified lack of continuity of government policy by new administration as bane of the society in the area of implementation of laudable projects, especially if such projects were not completed during the tenure of the government that was put in place.

Prof Esu expressed satisfaction with UNICEF for its support for the government as a partner in the area of health, gender based programs and protection of the vulnerable in the society. He was appreciative of the visit by the UNICEF team which he described as timely especially at this period of transition to new administration.
The Deputy Governor charged the team to ensure that the outcome of the discussion should be presented to the new administration for necessary action. He also expressed hope that the new administration will ensure that good policies on ground will be continued.

Finally he advised the team to schedule another visit later in the year to see how the new government will receive the policy and the roadmap planned for it in the interest of the people.

The leader of the team, Mr Harnindou Koufon said their mission in the state is to interface with the government and relevant stakeholders in continuation of their strategic engagement with states to promote good governance.

Mr Koufon explained that the mandate of the project is about promoting the welfare of children, women and the vulnerable in the society. He added that Cross River is one of the states under the supervision of UNICEF Field Office Enugu in terms of support which is expected to last about 5years in the action plan.

Some government functionaries attended the event. They are; Commissioner for the Ministry of International Development Cooperation (MIDC), Dr Inyang Asibong; the Permanent Secretary, State Planning Commission, Rev Ugbe J. Ugbe; Permanent Secretary MIDC, Mbong Osaji as well as the Permanent Secretary Social Welfare Development, Dr Peter Ipuole.