OYO COLLABORATE WITH UNICEF EU-SUSI PROJECT TO TRAIN 87 PARTICIPANTS ON DATA COLLECTION

The Oyo State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union funded Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) project has organized a four-day training for Eighty -Seven (87) participants on data collection for the State General Households Survey and Poverty Map.

While declaring the training open, the Executive Assistant to His Excellency on Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji AbdulGaffar Bello who spoke on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning welcomed participants to the training and stressed that meaningful development planning is based on accurate survey that reveal areas of needs, especially in the provision of basic social amenities. He appreciated His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde for granting approval for the exercise noting that the last Household Survey in the State was conducted twenty five years ago.

 He urged participants to be attentive during the training, make good use of the opportunity given to them and demonstrate patience and professionalism in the course of doing the exercise.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Mr Tunde Ayanleke, appreciated His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde for providing the resources needed to kickstart the exercise. He also expressed his profound gratitude to UNICEF for adjusting its Budget to accommodate additional needs so as to ensure the successful conduct of the exercise. He reiterated that the Survey will significantly enhance evidence based and effective planning in the State.

 Earlier in his welcome address, the Statistician General of the State,Mr Teslim Ajuwon welcomed all participants and stated that the Survey is a unique one as it will enable the State to generate a comprehensive data and also strengthen its data collection framework. He charged participants to be diligent and stay committed while discharging their duties.

In his response, the Social Policy Manager, UNICEF Mr Muhammad Okorie emphasized that the main objective is to undertake activities that would lead to the production of Poverty Maps for Oyo State. He added that the commitment shown by participants would contribute significantly to improved planning and decision making. He  encouraged them to ask questions whenever the need arises so as to gain clearer understanding of the training sessions.

Other dignitaries at the programme include Special Adviser on Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Simeon Oyeleke, Senior Special Assistants, Hon. Kehinde Ogunsanya and Hon. Akanmu as well as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mrs. A. A. Fasina, mni.