Osun Assembly Passes Social Protection Bill 2018, Ammends Service Commission Bill

Osun State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, RT. Hon. Najeem Salam has passed the ‘State of Osun Social Protection Bill, 2018.

In a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye on Tuesday, during a plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Akintunde Adegboye. 

The bill was passed after a motion moved by the House’s Deputy Leader, Hon. Bello Osuolale and seconded by Hon. Babatunde Komolafe (Atakumosa East/West). 

Osun Social Protection Bill allows for the establishment of the State of Osun Social Protection Implementation Committee for the management and control of the state social protection programmes.

When signed into law, it’ll combat and reduce poverty, provide persons living with disabilities in the State with the means to cope with major life risks, ensure access to affordable health care, social protection and social assistance. 

Also, it’ll ensure decent employment and sustainable livelihood, enhance human capital development and human dignity as well as promoting social cohesion, equity and inclusive economic growth in the State. 

Among existing social protection programmes initiated by the Rauf Aregbesola led government in the state are; Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), Osun Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme (O-Meal), Free services for children attending special schools, Elderly Welfare Scheme (Agba Osun) and Osun Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Programme (O-REAP), among others. 

After the passage, the Speaker urged the Clerk at table to immediately transmit the bill to the Governor for assent, adding that all previously sent bills must be followed up to ascertain the governor’s stance for further steps.

Also, the House commence work on the ‘State of Osun Assembly Service Commission Establishment and Management (Amendment No. 2), Bill 2018’ after a motion by the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Bello Osuolale and seconded by Hon. Gbadebo Akanbi (Ede North).

The bill was also passed after sailing through the policy trust and second reading.