Oyo Govt, UNICEF host workshop to promote accountability, inclusion for vulnerable groups

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

The Oyo State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has organized a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at deepening community engagement and promoting Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) across South-West Nigeria and Edo State.

Held in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, the workshop brought together stakeholders from government ministries, civil society organisations, community-based groups, and development partners to strengthen inclusion and ensure that the voices of vulnerable populations especially women and children are at the heart of public interventions.

In his opening address, the Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, applauded UNICEF for its continued commitment to social development, describing the organization as a longstanding ally in advancing the rights of marginalized populations.

He emphasized that UNICEF’s Accountability to Affected Populations initiative is a timely and critical response to challenges confronting underserved communities.

“If this population is not planned and programmed for, vulnerability among children and women will increase. Hence, this initiative is both timely and important,” Babalola stated.

He urged participants not to treat the training as routine but to view it as a call to action. “As representatives of our various MDAs and community groups, we must take this knowledge back home and advocate for better care and inclusion for women and children. It is a sacrifice we must make for a better society,” he said.

Babalola also encouraged stronger collaboration and networking across states to tackle shared development issues more effectively.

Speaking on the theme of Social Behaviour Change (SBC), Mrs. Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, UNICEF Social Behaviour Change Specialist from the Lagos field office, described the SBC model as a community-centered and evidence-based approach that fosters sustainable change by involving people in designing solutions that affect them.

“Social and Behaviour Change empowers people to take action and make positive changes in their lives. It’s not just about communication; it’s about involving communities in the process so that they can take ownership of their development,” she said.

She called on stakeholders to apply SBC strategies within their various jurisdictions to drive child-centered development initiatives.

Also speaking, Ms. Amina Bala, UNICEF SBC Specialist from the Abuja office, presented an overview of AAP, stressing its role in embedding community voices in decision-making processes.

“AAP is not just about providing services, it’s about listening to communities, responding to their concerns, and ensuring they play a role in decisions that affect them,” she explained.

Bala noted that feedback from affected communities builds trust, improves service delivery, and ensures that programmes are truly responsive. She urged stakeholders to integrate AAP principles into state-level planning, policy formulation, and implementation mechanisms.

The workshop is expected to support participating states in developing practical strategies that enhance transparency, promote inclusive governance, and improve support systems for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

UNICEF and Oyo State officials expressed hope that the cross-state engagement will lead to stronger networks, improved accountability, and a shared commitment to leaving no one behind.