Abuja: The Kuwaiti government has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering 200,000 out-of-school children in Kaduna State through the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) project. This commitment was announced by Mr. Salim Almuzayen, the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Nigeria, during the 64th National Day and 34th Liberation Day celebrations of Kuwait in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Almuzayen elaborated that the initiative aims to provide equitable access to quality primary education, focusing on children with disabilities, girls, and adolescents in Kaduna State. The project is funded by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in collaboration with partners and UNICEF and is set to support over 200,000 students.
The Ambassador highlighted the historical bilateral relations between Kuwait and Nigeria, which date back to the 1960s with the construction of the Al-Sabah School in Kaduna. He emphasized that this project reflects the depth of these relations and the potential for furt
her cooperation between the two nations.
Mr. Adeolu Okenla, Senior Councillor of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Kuwait, which began in 1971. He noted that these ties have facilitated collaboration in political and economic areas.
Okenla explained the significance of Kuwait’s National Day and Liberation Day, marking the country’s independence from British protection in 1961 and freedom from Iraqi occupation in 1991, respectively. He acknowledged Kuwait’s progress in becoming a prosperous and secure country and commended its contributions to regional peace, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Okenla also expressed admiration for Kuwait’s free education policy, which extends from primary school to university, contributing to a high adult literacy rate of 96.46 percent in the country.