By Ayodele Abere
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Ekiti State on Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Governor Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Children in the State.
Olatunbosun made this known on Tuesday while delivering his keynote address at a two-day capacity building meeting of Social Behavioural Change (SBC) Committee Members for cross sectoral interventions for child survival and Development in Ekiti State, held in Ado-Ekiti, the State capital.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor stated that the meeting is to re-affirm the state government commitment to strengthening and enhancing the impact of cross-Sectoral interventions that improve the well-being of people in the Communities.
“Worthy of note is the fact that development, challenges, whether in Health, Nutrition, Education, WASH or in other relevant Sectors cannot be addressed in isolation.
“Social and behaviour change is the engine that drives adoption of healthy practices as it enhances Community engagement and ensures that investment in programmes translate to real measurable results”, he said.
Describing the meeting as very apt and timely, the SA said it gives the opportunity to deepen the understanding of SBC principles, improve coordination mechanisms and strengthen their roles as champions and advocates for behaviour change across all programmes.
“As SBC members, your task does not end here. After this meeting, you are expected to cascade knowledge, support community structures and ensure that our interventions are people-centred, impactful, data driven and sustainable.
“The proactive policies, child centered initiatives and continuous efforts of Oyebanji’s administration to improve Education, Health and Protection Services is a demonstration of genuine leadership and compassion”.
While commending UNICEF for being a consistent Partner and collaborator in ensuring the safety of the health and well-being of Children and the entire populace, Olatunbosun therefore reassured that the Sate Government will continue to collaborate with Development Partners and Non-Governmental Organizations in its quest to promote the welfare of Children and the entire populace.
Also, the UNICEF Director of Programmes, Mrs Adesola Fadiran in her welcome address, said the iimportance of the meeting is the recognition of the fact that behaviour does not change when we work in isolation , stressing that behaviour is shaped by systems, environments, culture and the influence of multiple sectors, working together.
“It is important to note that when we collaborate across sectors, we are better positioned to empower individuals and communities to adopt healthier, safer and more productive behaviors.
“Let us therefore use the meeting as a catalyst to deepen our partnerships, strengthen our strategies and re-affirm our commitment towards improving the wellbeing of our people”, the Director charges.
Speaking on the significance of the meeting, Chief Adewumi Aladesanmi, the Onikewo of Ikewo, Ado-Ekiti, who represented Ewi-in-Council and Babaloja, as well as Chief Olayinka Babalola, the Iyalaje of Okesa Market, Ado-Ekiti eulogised the Ekiti State Ministry of Information and UNICEF for organising the meeting which they described as crucial in getting people sensitised about government policies for better understanding instead of using force in getting some policies implemented.
Participants at the meeting were drawn from all sectors across the state.
