James Sowole in Akure
Ondo State on Tuesday became the first state of the federation to have a law on social protection. The law, was made by the State House of Assembly with considerable input from the United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF).
While signing the bill into law, the governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, said the Ondo State Social Protection Law, presents the very reasons why there should be a government.
“The objectives, as set out in the Bill, encapsulate issues of welfare of citizens which is the primary responsibility of the government,” he said.
He said it made provision for a council, which will regulate the activities of the Social Protection Programme.
Speaking with journalists after signing the bill into law, the UNICEF Field Officer in charge of the state, Dr. Niyi Olaleye, said the law was meant to protect women and children.
Olaleye said the Ondo State Social Protection Law was the first of its kind in the country.
He said the bill was about the welfare of the vulnerable in the society, particularly the women and children.
He noted that the Federal Executive Council had a policy on it in 2017, saying, “Ondo State is the first to pass the bill into law at the sub national level.â€
Olaleye noted that it was well in line with the mandate of UNICEF to assist government to protect children and appreciated the state government for passing and signing the bill into law.
“The bill is about welfare of the most vulnerable in the society, this is well in line with our mandate, we have been working with them for the past one and half years on the bill.
“It is a milestone for women and children of Ondo State, as it makes the state to provide for them. Ondo State is the first state in the country to pass the bill into lawâ€, Olaleye said.
