…TRAINS ENUMERATORS FOR VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLD TARGETING.

The Ekiti State Government is set for the commencement of the proposed updating and expansion of its Social Register with the successful training in Ado-Ekiti of enumerators, back checkers and community-based targeting team and other key personnel that will be involved in the exercise

The three-day training, held between 21st and 23rd November, 2024, aims at enhancing the inclusion of the poor and vulnerable households in the State into the Social Register.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training, the Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo, commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for approving the expansion of the register, describing it as a significant step towards alleviating poverty and fostering shared prosperity in the State.

“This initiative demonstrates the administration’s unwavering commitment to reducing poverty in Ekiti. The low numbers in the current register means that many deserving households had missed out on palliatives list and empowerment programmes from both federal and state governments. We urge vulnerable households to register so they can benefit from future opportunities,” Adebayo said.

The Commissioner encouraged the trainees to be actively engaged with the programme’s content, ask relevant questions to deepen their understanding, applying the skills and knowledge gained during the exercise.

He emphasized the importance of their full participation and commitment, noting that their dedication would contribute significantly to the programme’s overall success.

“Before now, we had sensitized Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) Chairmen including community leaders. They are all aware of this exercise and SOCU officials will be available to provide necessary support during fieldwork,” he added.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr. Shola Akinluyi, represented by the Director of Budget, Mr. Shola Adeoye, emphasized the importance of the Social Register as a platform for social interventions, adding that Ekiti State began compiling the register in 2014 using the community-based targeting (CBT) approach, with World Bank support.

“Since 2014, the State has carried out 19 CBT exercises across its 16 Local Government Areas and 22 Local Council Development Areas with World Bank backing. However, this is the first time the State Government is independently undertaking the register’s expansion,” Akinluyi said.

He assured participants that the Ministry had made adequate arrangements for the exercise to be seamless, noting that the register would enable the Federal, State, Donor Agencies, NGOs and private individuals to support the poor and vulnerable effectively,” he added.

• EKITI IMPACT PROJECT TO DISTRIBUTE OVER 70,000 LONG LASTING INSECTICIDE NETS TO PREGNANT WOMEN, CHILDREN.
• EKITI GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH FILM VILLAGE
• We’ve maintained zero borrowing policy in project financing – EKSG
• Airport Project, Great Testimony to Oyebanji’s Thirst for Devt – Onijan
• EKITI GOVT LAUNCHES MASS ANTHRAX VACCINATION EXERCISE FOR LIVESTOCK

The State Project Coordinator of the State Operation Coordinating Unit, Mr. Abiodun Ariyo, explained the community-based targeting process, stressing that the exercise involves sensitization, mobilization and engagement at the grassroots level to identify vulnerable households.

“Community-driven targeting is critical to this exercise and I urge participants to avoid duplicates as a unique identifier, the National Identification Number (NIN) will be used. Those with NINs should register to ensure inclusion,” Ariyo stated.

He appealed to trainees to engage traditional rulers, market leaders, religious leaders and other community stakeholders during mobilization, adding that the register is not limited to the indigent but includes anyone contributing to the State’s economic development.

The expanded Social Register is expected to create a reliable database for implementing targeted social intervention programmes in Ekiti State.