Experts Task Osun Govt on Transparent, Inclusive Social Protection Framework

Stakeholders in Osun State have called for the strengthening of social protection systems to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability of intervention programmes targeted at the vulnerable.

This was the major thrust of discussion at the Osun State Dialogue on Social Protection held on Thursday in Osogbo, organised by the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) under the ACT Naija Project, co-funded by the European Union and Brot für die Welt, in partnership with the Osun State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget.

While speaking, Dauda Gbadebo Iyanda, Director of Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, said social protection must be governed by a holistic and inclusive policy framework that caters to all age groups, from childhood to old age.

“Social protection interventions should be guided by a comprehensive policy and backed by law,” he said.

“All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies involved in social protection must work in synergy to achieve the desired results. If properly implemented, these interventions will reduce youth-related crises, empower women, and improve the state’s socio-economic wellbeing.”

Iyanda listed ongoing government efforts such as the Osun Health Insurance Scheme, Emergency Management Agency interventions, and the Bureau for People with Disabilities as part of the state’s efforts to support the vulnerable and strengthen community resilience.

Speaking earlier, Olaniyan Boluwatife, State Programme Officer for the Osun ACT Naija Project, explained that the dialogue brought together key stakeholders from ministries, civil society organisations, and development partners to exchange ideas and improve ongoing social protection initiatives across the state.

“Our findings revealed low awareness about existing social protection programmes in Osun. Many citizens are not aware of the initiatives, while others cited favoritism and political interference in beneficiary selection,” Olaniyan said.

“To strengthen the system, we must build the capacity of relevant stakeholders and promote transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in programme implementation.”

Also speaking, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Cecilia Oladele, Director of Women Affairs, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, described social protection as a crucial element in improving the welfare and livelihood of women and children.

“Women and children remain the most vulnerable in society,” she said.
“Although the state has introduced several initiatives such as the Women Clinic to address gender-based violence and other issues, more still needs to be done to ensure the social wellbeing of women and girls.”

For Mrs. Roseline Aworinde, a beneficiary from Ife Central Local Government, social protection programmes have been life-changing.

She recalled benefiting from a vocational empowerment project by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Osun State Government in 2018, which provided her with training and equipment to start a tailoring business.

“Before the training, I couldn’t feed my family or send my children to school. But after receiving the starter pack, my life changed,” she said. “I’m now self-reliant and grateful for the opportunity.”