The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has appealed to the Oyo State House of Assembly to support the speedy passage of social protection Bill.
This was made known today during a sensitization meeting held at the Ibadan Business School,organised by UNICEF and the Ministry of Budget and Economic planning, with members of the Assembly present.
According to UNICEF, Social protection, is a mix of policies and programs, designed for individuals and households to reduce economic shocks and poverty.
The UNICEF Chief of Lagos Field Office, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, in her keynote address, appealed to Oyo State Legislators to continue pushing for increased budget allocation for children, young people and adolescents which will in turn ensure efficiency in the way budgets are allocated to ensure that children’s rights are safeguarded.
She further said “The House of Assembly plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the rights of the child as lawmakers. As such, UNICEF – which I represent today – calls on you to support the speedy passage of laws that safeguard the interests of children, such as the Social Protection Bill which is the only way forward for the Pace Setter State”.
Ms. Lafoucriere said the 2022 Multidimensional Child Poverty Report ranked Oyo state’s incidence of monetary child poverty at 13.2% and multidimensional child deprivations standing at 33.0%.
“Though, the figures may appear low, it is important to note that these indicators are among the highest in South-West Nigeria translating to over half a million children who remain poor and deprived of access to basic social services.I have no doubt that you agree with me that there is an urgent need to do more to fulfill every right of every child in Oyo State.”
Ms. Celine Lafoucriere said the partnership between the Oyo State Government and UNICEF has produced tangible results for children through strengthened systems, and improved infrastructure such as the recently launched state-of-the-art solarized oxygen plant, and other improved services on immunization, birth registration, Vit A supplementation, reduction of out of school children and reduction of open defecation in communities.
“It is now high time to support the strengthening of the social protection system to ensure all of our efforts are sustainable in time. Oyo state is a key state for UNICEF, and I am happy to reiterate that we are happy to work very closely with you to support your commendable efforts. The Pace Setter must remain the pacesetter state and start hosting other states for south-south learning”, she said.
Earlier, the House Leader, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, disclosed that the House will ensure that the intent of the gathering is fulfilled.
He said the 10th Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin will give priority to bills and laws concerning children and women, to ensure inclusivity in the affairs of the State.
In addition,,the Commissioner for Budget and Economic planning, Prof Musibau Babatunde laud UNICEF, for its support to the government, which yielded in the State’s publishing social protection policy.
Report by Adeleke Maria for IbadanCity ANNOUNCER
