Ondo, UNICEF Re-launch Scheme for Women, Children Rights Protection

Abimbola Akosile

As part of efforts aimed at safeguarding the rights of women and children in the state, the Ondo state government at the weekend re-inaugurated the state Social Mobilisation and Technical Committee (SSOMTEC) in conjunction with the United Nations Children Social Mobilisation Fund (UNICEF).

While inaugurating the Committee, the State’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade said the government has rendered services in consonance with the Child Right Act, aimed at enabling every child to develop his or her talent and full potential in a climate of peace, equality and respect for human dignity.

The Commissioner, who observed that children and women everywhere in the world were vulnerable and so largely depend on government for protection and survival, explained that the caring Heart programme of the Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s administration was to fulfil this responsibility.

According to him, the free medical care for pregnant women, free health care and immunisation for children from age 0-6 years, the mega schools, the Mother and Child hospitals, free shuttle buses for both Primary and Secondary school students and Abiye programme among others were all to ensure the well-being of the child.

He commended UNICEF for its continued support and assistance towards promoting the survival, protection, development and participation of children and women in matters that affect them.

Akinmade challenged all the Focal/ Programme officers involved in the scheme, to come up with new strategies that would enhance the performance of the Committee, emphasising that SSOMTEC was re-launched, to among other objectives, identify and provide appropriate outlet for child survival, protection and developmental information for action in the interest of women and children.

The composition of the Committee is inter-sartorial and members are drawn from Ministries, Agencies and other Stakeholders implementing UNICEF supported programme in the state. The Committee is expected to enhance public enlightenment campaigns, articulated at effecting positive behavioural change on the part of the people towards welfare of children and women.