Oyo State Government Teams Up with EU and UNICEF to Support Vulnerable Residents

The Oyo State Government is working with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to finalize a draft Social Protection Bill. This bill is designed to strengthen support for vulnerable residents and tackle poverty in the state.

The validation meeting took place at the Ibadan Business School and involved 48 participants from various government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as labor groups and other stakeholders. Mr. Julius Ayanleke, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, explained that the meeting aimed to review the draft legislation before it is presented to the State Executive Council and the State House of Assembly.

Ayanleke noted that social protection is a shared responsibility, highlighting that anyone can become vulnerable regardless of their economic status. He encouraged participants to actively engage in the review process, emphasizing that the proposed law will help address poverty and improve the welfare of residents.

Mrs. Taiwo Murano Akinola, the Clerk of the Oyo State House of Assembly, expressed the Assembly’s commitment to quickly consider the bill once it is submitted. She assured that they would work to ensure that vulnerable residents benefit from the proposed measures.

Mr. Mohammed Okorie from UNICEF praised the state government for initiating the bill, calling it a vital step in protecting vulnerable members of society. He also promised UNICEF’s ongoing support for the successful implementation of the social protection framework.

Dr. Dairo Titloye, the Director of Legal Drafting at the Ministry of Justice, described the bill as crucial for the protection of poor and vulnerable individuals in the state. He commended the government and its partners for their efforts in developing the legislation.

The validation process is expected to lead to the presentation of the draft bill to the State Executive Council before it is sent to the House of Assembly for further consideration.