UNICEF is urging for the prompt approval of the Social Protection Bill in Oyo State to protect the welfare of children and provide relief for over half a million disadvantaged children who lack access to fundamental social services in the state.
During an advocacy event organized by the UNICEF Lagos office in partnership with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF’s Chief of Lagos Field Office, emphasized the necessity of passing and implementing the Social Protection Bill as the primary solution to shield children and families from economic instability and social risks in Oyo State.
She declared, “Oyo is a priority state for UNICEF. Our children, adolescents, and young people are our future and what will make the fabric of tomorrow’s economic growth in Oyo State.
To ensure a prosperous future for Oyo state, investing in children’s development and guaranteeing their access to fundamental rights like clean water, sanitation, adequate nutrition, healthcare, safety, and education is crucial and non-negotiable.
“We are accountable collectively to take the decisions and actions that will lift them out of poverty. The House of Assembly plays a central role in fulfilling those rights for the child as lawmakers. As such, UNICEF 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 encouraged them to persist in advocating for a greater share of the budget to be allocated to support the needs of children, adolescents, and young adults across various sectors, such as education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Honorable Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, vowed to utilize the Assembly’s full capacity to revise existing legislation and enact new laws as needed, ensuring the protection and promotion of children’s rights and welfare in the state, as conveyed through a goodwill message delivered by Honorable Sanjo Adedoyin.
He added, “Your contributions have been instrumental in driving our shared vision and fostering progress within our community. The House remains committed to advancing policy and initiatives that promote the well-being and prosperity of all citizens.”
Professor Musibau Babatunde, the Oyo State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, expressed gratitude to UNICEF through his ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, for its valuable support in various initiatives, including the development of the social protection policy, capacity building for local government staff on the National Chart of Accounts, and the creation of the state’s Agenda 2040, among other collaborative efforts.
