…reveals 90 social intervention programmes in over 20 Socio-functional MDAs
… as residents call for return of “Ounje Eko” initiative
In continuation of the ongoing Social Protection Sensitisation and Advocacy across the five divisions of Lagos, the State Government, through the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, in collaboration with Socio-Functional MDAs and UNICEF, moved the campaign train to Badagry Division on Wednesday.
In his keynote address at the event inside the Ojo Local Government Hall, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning, and Budget, Hon. Ope George stated that social development planning remains a key aspect of the Ministry’s mandate with a special focus on all interventions in Lagos State, thereby providing a holistic delivery system to help people cope with socio-economic shocks.
George, represented by the Director, Social Protection Coordinating Department, MEPB, Mrs. Oluwakemi Gabadeen-Adedeji, said there are over 90 social intervention programmes in over 20 functional MDAs, adding that the Social Protection Awareness Campaign is important.
In his remarks, the Deputy Director/Head of Registry in the Ministry, Mr. Yusuf Olanrewaju explained that the Social Protection Coordinating Department coordinates the utilisation of data in the State Single Social Register for the purpose of providing information and access to social investment on pro-poor initiatives in Lagos State.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board/Health District IV, Dr. Abimbola Bowale averred that the Social Protection Policy is a commendable strategy of the Lagos State Government. Hence, as a key stakeholder, the LSPHCB oversees 329 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the six health districts in Lagos State.
Bowale, who was represented by the Director, Pharmaceutical Services, LSPHCB, Pharm. Shakirat Adeosun, further revealed that 20 million residents have been vaccinated for yellow fever in the recent Supplementary Vaccine Campaign.
On her part, Director, Administration and Human Resources, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs. Moyosore Akano stated the various education interventions of the Lagos State Government, including payment of bursaries, have increased from N25,000 to N65,000 as well as scholarship interventions to indigent students in Lagos State.
In the same vein, Director, Post Service Department, Public Service Department, Office of Head of Service, Mrs. Bukola Durodola emphasised that the Lagos State Government is concerned about its retirees. Hence, the recent payment of all outstanding pensions, adding that several training are also in place to help retirees keep fit and become self-reliant.
The Director, Women’s Department, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs. Olufunke Shyllon also highlighted the Ministry’s empowerment initiatives for women and youths.
Mrs. Kemi Ayo Micheal, HOD Budget, Ojo Local Government, who represented the Executive Chairman, Hon. Rasulu Olusola Idowu, thanked the Social Protection Team for bringing the SP Advocacy to Badagry division.
Mrs. Joke Yakubu, representative of the Chairman Oriade LCDA, Hon. Ramotallai Akinola mentioned that the SP campaign would be replicated in the LCDA while Alhaji Niyi Jimoh Makinde, Chairman Ojo CDC, represented by Mr. Aina Akinre thanked Mr. Governor for his fatherly role across the state, adding that he would take the SP message to their various communities.
During the community feedback session at the end of the programme, many residents implored Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to return the “Ounje Eko” intervention, which has lots of attendant benefits for Lagosians.
The IBILE SP Campaign Tour will on Thursday move to the Ikorodu Division.