OYOSOCU COLLABORATE WITH EU- FUNDED UNICEF SUSI PROJECT TO SENSITIZE TRADITIONAL HEADS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL CHAIRMEN

The Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, 

Barrister Temilolu Seun Ashamu has solicited for the support of Traditional 

Heads and Community Development Council Chairmen in mobilizing 

community members to participate appropriately in the upcoming European 

Union funded United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Supporting Sustainable 

Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) Project across the State so as to 

ensure fairness, transparency and unity in the selection of beneficiaries.

He made this appeal while declaring open a day sensitization meeting 

with Traditional rulers and Community Development Council Chairmen from 

the ten pilot Local Government Areas of (Afijio, Atisbo, Ibarapa North, 

Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Lagelu, Ogo-Oluwa, Oriire, Saki East and Surulere) that are

participating in the project.

The Honourable Commissioner who spoke through the Director of

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Ministry, Mr Femi Opatunmbi explained that the main objective of the meeting was to provide a very clear information 

about the goals and framework of the SUSI project in order to prevent 

misinformation and misconception among Community members.

He emphasized that the project is non-political with clear eligibility 

criteria, structured verification processes and zero tolerance for manipulation 

or favouritism.

 He noted that the Engr Seyi Makinde led administration in the 

State remains committed towards protecting public interest and trust.

Barrister Ashamu urged participants to guard against conflict, being bias 

and politicisation of the exercise, encouraging patience and understanding throughout its implementation. He added that their endorsement and 

cooperation would guarantee peace, credibility and inclusiveness.

In his goodwill message, the Social Behavioural Change Consultant from 

UNICEF, Mr Samuel Olatunji appreciated the Traditional Heads and Community 

Development Council Chairmen for their positive disposition towards the 

development of the State and their respective communities.

 He explained that the initiative aims to expand the existing Social Register of the Poor and Vulnerable in the State, using Multidimensional Poverty Indicators to ensure 

that support reaches those who truly need it.

Earlier in his welcome address, the State Coordinator, Oyo State Operation Coordinating Unit (OYOSOCU) 

Mr Ismaila Salami welcomed the 

stakeholders to the meeting and reiterated that Sustainable Development is a shared responsibility that the Government alone cannot achieve without the cooperation of Traditional rulers, Community Development Council Chairmenand strong Community structures.

He said the SUSI project represents hope for vulnerable households, 

stability for struggling families and a pathway towards long term social 

resilience, he added that if it is properly implemented and collectively 

supported, the initiative will leave a lasting legacy in Communities across the State.