The Oyo State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Monday, launched the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI) Programme.
SUSI is a collaborative initiative by the European Union, UNICEF and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), targeted at reducing poverty and improving social inclusion across the state.
The launch, held at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, brought together stakeholders from government agencies, ministries and parastatals, development partners, civil society and international organisations.
The programme, Support to Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI), is supported by the European Union (EU) and implemented jointly by UNICEF and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
It was designed to strengthen the capacity of beneficiary states to deliver effective, inclusive, and shock-responsive social protection.
Speaking at the event, Acting Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Lawal, reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to the programme and its objectives.
“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,” the acting governor said.
Lawal stressed the need for a robust legal framework to ensure the seamless operationalisation of the initiative, noting that a Social Protection Bill is being prepared by the state government 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 state House of Assembly,” Lawal stated.
The acting governor also called for a modernised Social Protection Management Information System that will connect all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) for effective coordination and efficiency.
“With UNICEF, the EU, and ILO working together with us, this will be a comprehensive approach to reducing poverty in the land,” he said.
Lawal urged stakeholders to align with the state’s vision for inclusive development, and called on UNICEF to have an office in Ibadan as, he said, the state has the wherewithal for the international agency to function.
“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,” the acting governor emphasised.
On her part, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative and UNICEF Chief, Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, commended the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde administration for its efforts in expanding social welfare coverage in the state.
“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.”
She highlighted the importance of inclusive policies, noting that the Oyo State government, under Makinde, has done creditably well and pointed out that millions remain underserved.
“Around 48.7 per cent of Oyo State’s population and 72.7 per cent of children (aged 0–17) are multi-dimensionally poor. Yet, only 11 per cent are captured in the social registry of the poor and vulnerable.
“With just two per cent of the state’s population receiving any form of social assistance, the urgency for improved investment in social protection is now,” she said.
Lafoucriere, however, commended the state’s existing programmes, including free basic education, school feeding, and the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme, but called 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 also disclosed that the long-term support of UNICEF to Oyo State would remain unwavering.
“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,” the UNICEF Chief, Lagos Field Office assured.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Musibau Babatunde, said Oyo State has always been at the forefront of managing social protection since the inception of the administration.
He said this has been well laid out in the Road Map For Accelerated Development (2019-2023) and Road Map For Sustainable Development (2023-2027).
Professor Babatunde informed the UNICEF Team that the state has a comprehensive approach as regards reducing vulnerability and encouraging inclusiveness.
In their various goodwill messages, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi and her counterpart in Women Affairs, Mrs Toyin Balogun, stated that the state, under the Makinde administration, is laying a strong foundation for a population that is climate resilient.
They said this was made possible by the government through its various interventions, including conditional cash transfer to vulnerable groups, Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme and the revitalisation of the Primary Healthcare Centres, among others.
