Osun, A Leading State In Social Protection Programmes – UNICEF

By Ismaeel Uthman

United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has declared Osun as the leading state in the provision of Social Protection programmes, commending the immediate past Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his commitment to social, educational and economic development of the state.

Nigeria’s representative of UNICEF, Mr Mohammed Fall said the various social security programmes of the Aregbesola’s administration have attracted the attention of the world because of its impact at eliminating poverty.

Fall who spoke at the launching of ‘Osun Social Protection Policy and Law’ by Aregbesola on Thursday, disclosed that ‘Osun has become a leading state in the provision of social protection programmes in the entire country, hence the interest of UNICEF in supporting the state in the funding of the programmes.’

The Osun Social Protection Policy and Law make it compulsory for every government in the state to implement social protection programmes for the people.

Represented by Mr Andrew Buffon at the event, Fall explained that Osun is always presented as an example to the world whenever the issue of social protection in Africa is being discussed, advising that all efforts must be made to lift poor families out of poverty line for the good of all.

He urged government at all levels in Nigeria to take issue of social security serious as a means of reducing crime and other social vices in the society.

Fall said: “I think many governments all around the world needs to take a cue from what Osun is doing as a state in terms trying to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in the society.

“The way Osun is doing is the way to go; Osun is a good example to the world in terms of implementation of social protection programmes. Osun has become a leading state in guaranteeing social protection which is why UNICEF is always ready to support the state.”

In his address, Aregbesola stated that it has always been his vision to ensure happiness for the generality of the people, stressing that it is even more gratifying that he is leaving the law as a legacy.

The policy document was unveiled by the former governor of the state Chief Bisi Akande in company of Aregbesola, the new governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, General Alani Akinrinade and UNICEF representatives in the country, among others.

Aregbesola who pointed out that the social protection programmes of the administration were mapped out to take care of different forms of vulnerability, explained that his administration gave out more than 4billion as non-interest loans to women traders to improve their standard of living.

He said the administration has been focused and resolute to wipe out poverty from Osun through the government’s six point integral action plan which has been the major guide to achieving the set objectives.