Social protection,as defined by the United Nations Research Institute For Social Development, is concerned with preventing,managing and overcoming situations that adversely affect people's well being.
The National Social Protection Policy also defines Social Protection as a mix of policies and programmes designed for individuals and households throughout the life cycle to prevent and reduce poverty and socio-economic shocks by promoting and enhancing livelihoods and a life of dignity.
In his opening remarks, Director General, Office of Economic Development and Partnerships (OEDP), Dr. Charles Diji Akinola while welcoming dignitaries at the august occasion stated that;
"Despite the recent recession in the country, State of Osun has not reduced its commitment to itssocial protection interventions while evidence abounds onthe possible impact of some of these initiatives."
"The State of Osun has also enjoyed support from UNICEF in the implementation of some socialprogrammes.In particular as a development ally, the organisation has provided support towards the design of the SocialProtectionPolicy and Law, the launch of which we are witnessing."
The Governor of the State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in his remarks stated that it has always been his vision to provide happiness for the generality of the people.
Governor Aregbesola pointed out that statistics shows that Osun has the lowest rate of poverty in the country due to the advent of his administration's Social Protection programmes which was drawn from his Six Point Integral Action Plan at the beginning of his administration. These SocialProtectionprogrammes include, O'Meal, O'Yes, O'Reap, O'Ambulance, YESSO amongst others.
In his address,thecountry's representativeof UNICEF,Mr Mohammed Malick Fall who was ably represented by Mr Hamidou Poufon, Chief of Social Policy, UNICEF Nigeria stated that;
"The State of Osun is one the first states to start implementation of the federal-level Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme and was selected as a pilot state for the World Bank funded Youth Empowerment and Social Support Operation (YESSO). Given the State of Osun's record and performance in social safety net investment, social welfare and social protection, it has become a leading state, continually improving its commitment to enhance residents' resilence and livelihoods."Also speaking, Chief, UNICEF Akure Field Office,Mr Tejinder Sandhu lauded the government of the state of Osun for deeming it fit to come up with such an innovative policy for the good of the people of the State of Osun.
The event which was held at Aurora Event Centre, Osogbo was brought to a close with a press conference.
Highlights of the event were photoshoots to unveil the Social Policy and Law documents to the admiration of the people.
from Bola Esho's Blog
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