Governor Abdullahi Adamu has restated Government commitment to the promotion of the well being of its citizens, especially the younger generation. The Governor stated this at the launching of COMPASS (Community Participation for Action in the Social Sector) project in Lafia.

In addition, the Governor reiterated the administration’s desire to always focus attention on the provision of basic social needs such as food, security, portable water supply, education and minimizing health risks to which the population is susceptible and vulnerable. According to Governor Adamu, “our obligation, in consonance with the ideals of democracy, is to ensure the creation of equal access and opportunities for all citizens to realize their fullest potentials in life. This we believe, is the basis upon which we are building an enduring relationship with COMPASS whose immediate targets are women and children.”

In an overview of the COMPASS project, Mr. Bola Kusemiju, Deputy Chief of Party (COMPASS, Nigeria) stated the major issues COMPASS will provide intervention while working in Nasarawa state are:

1. Child Survival; which covers problems such as malaria, polio eradication, routine immunization and improved nutrition.
2. Basic Education; especially the Girl-child education
3. Reproductive Health; tackling problems of female genital mutilation and gender based violence
4. Public Private Partnership 

Present at the launch were Nathalie Freeman, acting Director USAID, Caroline Crosbie, Vice President, Pathfinder International, Dr. Olubunmi Dosumu, Senior RH Program Manager, COMPASS; Ms. Akua Kwateng-Addo, Team Leader Social Sector Services, COMPASS; Ann Oden, Education Advisor, USAID and Mr. Habila Alaku; State Team Leader COMPASS project, Nasarawa State who in his welcome address stated that “COMPASS seeks to build high quality, integrated health and education services.”

The COMPASS project, which started in May 2004, is expected to have reached about 23 million people by June 2009, when the program will come to an end.