By Maria Famakinwa
As part of efforts geared towards creating more awareness about social protection and the need to strengthen social protection intervention in Ondo State, the State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget in partnership with Act Naija Project has organised a one-day programme on the initiative.
The programme themed, “Strengthening Social Protection Intervention in Ondo State,” was held in Ijapo, Akure, and co-funded by the European Union, Brot fur die Welt, ANEEJ and NISD.
It focused on making social protection impact felt in the state with special target on vulnerable groups such as women, youths and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
In his welcome address, the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Bamidele Daisi, said that the Ministry is pleased to collaborate with the organiser of the programme towards creating more awareness about social protection and the need to strengthen social protection intervention in the state.
Daisi explained that when the programme was held in Abuja, it was agreed that such should be replicated in different zones which birthed the programme in the state.
While reiterating the importance of social protection for development, Daisi added that anybody could become vulnerable at anytime, hence the need for everyone to embrace social protection.
He said, “We need social intervention as a lifeline to move on, because anybody can fall victim at anytime. For instance, if one loses valuables to an inferno, such automatically needs social protection. It is to ensure that everyone has access to basic needs of life.”
In his keynote address, the Programme Manager, New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) Act Naija Project, Mr. Stephen Tsado, explained that social protection is not a charity, but a fundamental human right treasured in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights noting that it is a proven tool for reducing poverty, mitigating inequality and fostering inclusive growth.
He said, “Our nation, though rich in resources, faces a persistent challenge of widespread poverty and vulnerability. With millions living below the poverty line, the need for a robust and effective social protection system is more urgent than ever.”
Tsado, who revealed that though they have recorded landmark developments such as the adoption of a revised National Social Protection Policy in 2022 and the creation of a National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) listed some of the challenges to limited coverage, inadequate and inconsistent funding, institutional weakness, corruption and data targeting issues.
While calling on stakeholders to give social protection the needed attention, he said, “Social Protection is not an option; it is an economic necessity and a moral obligation. It is the cornerstone of a society that truly leaves no one behind. The journey ahead requires sustained political will, innovative solutions, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.”
In her remarks, Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye explained that Social Protection Intervention is paramount and important to support families, especially the vulnerables to cushion the effect of the economy.
Dr. Osamaye, who was represented by the Director of Social Welfare Services in the Ministry, Mr. Oyegunwa Adebayo, highlighted the various ways through which the state government has been reaching out to the needy in the state.
He said, “400 widows were given N50,000 each, petty traders across the 18 Local Government Areas were empowered, women were trained in agriculture and empowered. Under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), women have been given generators, sewing machines, freezers among others. We have also rehabilitated and re-integrated some destitutes with their families among others.”
The Commissioner assured the people of the state of the Ministry’s regular support and readiness to partner with Social Protection agencies to do more in the state.