By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo state government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Monday launched the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI) programme, a collaborative initiative aimed at reducing poverty and improving social inclusion across the state.
The launch, held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office brought together key stakeholders from government, development partners, civil society and international organisations.
The programme, supported by the European Union (EU) and implemented jointly by UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO), is designed to strengthen the state’s capacity to deliver effective, inclusive, and shock-responsive social protection.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to the programme and its objectives.
He said, “The assistance of grants and whatever that may come in will meet us and push us further to reduce poverty in the land.
“With the intervention of UNICEF and other development partners, we stand ready to embrace whatever policies that will reduce poverty in Oyo State.”
Lawal highlighted the need for a robust legal framework to ensure the seamless operationalisation of the initiative, noting that a social protection bill is already being prepared for legislative consideration.
“We must give this initiative legal backing so that when it begins to operate, it will do so within the ambit of the law. As soon as possible, we would like that the legal framework is drawn up, vetted by the Attorney-General, and submitted to the House of Assembly”, he added.
He also called for a modernised Social Protection Management Information System that connects all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance coordination and efficiency, saying, “with UNICEF, the EU, and ILO working together with us, this will be a comprehensive approach to reducing poverty in the land.”
The acting governor concluded by urging all stakeholders to align with the state’s vision for inclusive development.
“I call upon development partners, civil society organisations, and the good people of Oyo State to unite with us in advancing this noble cause. Together, let us lay the foundation for a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous society”, he added.
On her part, Chief of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office and UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Celine Lafoucriere praised the Oyo state government for its efforts in expanding social welfare coverage.
She highlighted the importance of inclusive policies, pointing out that millions remain underserved.
She said, “This gathering represents our shared commitment to transform the lives of the most vulnerable in our communities. Let me begin by saying that social protection is not a luxury, but a lifeline.
“Around 48.7 percent of Oyo State’s population and 72.7 percent of children (aged 0–17) are multidimensionally poor, yet only 11 percent are captured in the social registry of the poor and vulnerable.
“With just 2 percent of the state’s population receiving any form of social assistance, the urgency for improved investment in social protection is now,” she said.
Lafoucriere commended the state’s existing programmes, including free basic education, school feeding, and the Oyo State Health Insurance scheme, but urged continued improvement and expansion.
“The SUSI project is not just about systems and structures; it is about reinforcing policy frameworks and integrating financial mechanisms into your state budgets in ways that are sustainable and scalable”, she added.
She emphasised that UNICEF’s long-term support to Oyo State would remain unwavering.
She said, “Every child in Oyo State deserves to grow up safe and protected. Every family deserves access to the services they need to live with dignity. UNICEF will continue to support Oyo State in building a social protection system that works for everyone.”
In their various good will messages, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Toyin Balogun, said that under the Seyi Makinde led administration, the state is laying a strong foundation for a population that is climate resilient through various interventions of the state government and high include conditional cash transfer to vulnerable groups, Oyo State state Health Insurance scheme and the revitalisation of the primary health care centers.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde said Oyo State has always been at the fore front of managing social protection since the start of the administration, adding that it has been well laid out in the road map of accelerated development of 2019-2023 and sustainable development of 2023-2027 and the state has a comprehensive approach in terms reducing vulnerability and encouraging inclusiveness.
