The Oyo State Government has commenced the pilot phase of using the Multidimensional Poverty Indicators in the expansion of Social Register in the State, through the European Union funded SUSI Project in collaboration with International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
This was made known by the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Musbau Babatunde while declaring open the State Technical Consultation
Meeting with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the Social Protection
Technical Working Group.
Professor Babatunde explained that the main objective of the meeting is to enhance coordination, efficiency and the delivery of Social Protection Programs targeted at the poor and vulnerable households across the State.
He emphasized that Social Protection is multidimensional and requires strong
collaboration among all MDAs to ensure inclusiveness and sustainability. He stated further
that the criteria for measuring poverty, budget allocation for the poor and equitable resource
distribution must be clearly defined and integrated into all Sectors in the State.
The commissioner reiterated that Oyo State's inclusion in the EU-SUSI project marks another milestone in Engr. Seyi Makinde's commitment towards sustainable development
and human capital advancement.
Professor Babatunde reaffirmed the commitment of Engr. Seyi Makinde led
administration towards improving the welfare of citizens through data driven and transparent
social protection initiatives that would leave no one behind.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Tunde Ayanleke appreciated UNICEF for its continuous support to the State
Government.
He also expressed gratitude to His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde for granting approval for the conduct of Household Survey in Oyo State, noting that such initiatives play a
vital role in strengthening data driven planning and effective policy implementation.
While giving his remarks, the State Coordinator Oyo State Operation Coordinating Unit (OYOSOCU) Mr Ismail Salami emphasized that monetary factor which is traditionally used as
the primary measure of poverty in Nigeria should not be the sole criteria.
He explained that the meeting was convened to deliberate on additional poverty indicators that would enable
more accurate and inclusive poverty measurement in Oyo State.
Mr Salami noted that the program aims at creating a shock responsive register that will enhance preparedness for future Social and Economic challenges.
He reiterated that the initiative is being piloted in four States in the Federation, Oyo, Abia, Benue, and Sokoto with
ten Local Government Areas (Afijio, Atisbo,Ibarapa North, Itesiwaju, Lagelu,Iwajowa, Ogo Oluwa, Saki East and Surulere) in Oyo State were selected for the pilot phase.
In his response, the Social Policy/
Program Manager Lagos Office, Mr
Muhammad Okorie who spoke on
behalf of UNICEF disclosed that
the European Union is the primary
sponsor of the Sustainable Social
Protection Program, implemented
through UNICEF in the four selected
States,Oyo State inclusive.
He stated that Oyo State is pioneering a new dimension in Social protection that
adopts a Multidimensional Poverty
Indicators perspective.
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