Grassroots Must Drive Change for Children” – UNICEF Tells Oyo LGAs

UNICEF’s Social Policy Specialist, Mr. Muhammad Okorie warned that despite Oyo’s potential, many children remain deprived…

By editor

Local government chairmen in Oyo State have been charged to prioritise children in their plans, budgets, and actions, as UNICEF pledged to invest $5.2 million in child-focused interventions across the state in 2025.

This was the key message at a Child Rights Advocacy Dialogue held earlier today in Oyo Town, convened by the Oyo State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in partnership with UNICEF Lagos Field Office.

Representing the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Kolawole Gafar, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Finance, noted that Oyo State is already benefitting from a three-year UNICEF plan worth over $16 million, adding that local governments must now rise to their responsibilities.

“Most of the rights of the child (health, education, nutrition) are best addressed at the grassroots. Local governments must plan and spend deliberately to protect these rights,” he said.

UNICEF’s Social Policy Specialist, Mr. Muhammad Okorie warned that despite Oyo’s potential, many children remain deprived.

Only 23% of children are fully immunized, malnutrition has worsened to 14.4%, and FGM prevalence is at 43.2%, among the highest in the Southwest.

Oyo also has the highest open defecation rate in the region as some LGAs are yet to be certified open-defecation-free.

He emphasised that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life are critical and urged chairmen to allocate funds for immunisation, maternal health, and nutrition.

“UNICEF is not here to be supported. We are here to support LGAs to deliver results,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of ALGON Chairman, Hon. Salami Babatunde Akeem of Oyo West LG, pledged that local governments would return from the meeting ready to act.

“With what we’ve learned today, we know where to come in to advance child rights. We’re ready to step up,” he said.

Stakeholders agreed that achieving meaningful progress requires local governments to take full ownership, make bold commitments, and ensure every child in Oyo State is protected and given a fair start in life.