Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, with some of the officials in Umuahia. | Image: @alexottiofr
EU, ILO, others to assist
‘This collaborative effort will provide technical assistance to ensure that our social register captures accurate demographic data’
By Valentine Amanze
Abia State government has began discussion with the European Union (EU), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and UNICEF on how to build a sustainable social protection system through a reliable social register.
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, who disclosed this in his X, @alexottiofr, lamented the absence of a structured social protection policy in Abia State at the neeting with the international bodies in Umuahia, the state capital.
The governor explained that the essence of the meeting was to tackle poverty and assist people within the vulnerable group.
His words: “They also seek to understand our broad plan for social protection and align their efforts accordingly.
“This collaborative effort will provide technical assistance to ensure that our social register captures accurate demographic data. This precision is crucial for effective policy implementation.”
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Besides, the governor commended the EU and its partners for considering Abia as one of the states to benefit from this initiative.
“We understand the challenges of data integrity. With a poverty rate of approximately 33% affecting over five million people, precise information is required for proper planning.
“Our efforts, since assumption of office, have been geared towards ensuring that we reduce poverty. We commended the European Union and its partners for this collaboration and promised that the Abia State Government will give them the necessary support and legal framework to drive the process,” Otti said. Those at the meeting include the First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs Priscilla C. Otti, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Blessing Felix, senior government officials, Ms Chioma Osuji (EU), Mrs Chinyere Emeka-Anuma (ILO), Mr Segun Tekun (UNICEF) and other members of their delegation.
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