Table of Contents
- Action Plan Development
- Capacity-Building Workshop
- Importance of Collaboration
- Advancement in Approaches
- Community Impact
The Ogun State Government, through the Ministry of Information and Strategy in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has created a practical action plan for coordinated Social Behavioral Change interventions that tackle critical child survival and development challenges.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adesina, made this announcement during a two-day capacity-building workshop focused on Social and Behavioral Change (SBC).
The workshop, titled “Deepening the Understanding of SBC Principles for Effective Cross-Sectoral Programming,” took place in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday and Thursday.
In his opening remarks, Adesina recognized UNICEF’s steadfast support, collaboration, expertise, and resources, emphasizing that these contributions are vital to achieving the shared objective of improving the quality of life for citizens.
He emphasized that the mission of safeguarding child survival, ensuring comprehensive development, and guaranteeing the safety of every mother and child in Ogun State relies heavily on teamwork and collaboration.
“Our partners at UNICEF provide the global framework and technical expertise, while this SBC Committee drives strategic messaging and public engagement. Each of you, as implementers across different sectors, is responsible for translating these strategies into concrete actions within our communities,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary further noted that the Social Behavioral Change Committee is a crucial link that can support women and children, contributing to a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for the State.
He pointed out that the shift from Communication for Development (C4D) to Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) signifies a significant progression from merely raising awareness to actively understanding and addressing the intricate social, cultural, and psychological factors that influence behavior.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Kemi Ewedairo-Yusuf, the Director of Production Services in the Ministry of Information, remarked that the ability to effectively influence behaviors and alter social norms is essential for success in areas such as child survival, nutrition, and education.
Additionally, Mr. Michael Oyediji, an SBC consultant, mentioned that SBC extends beyond communication, as it can penetrate communities by strategically employing various methods and tools to facilitate social system and individual change.
On behalf of the participants, Mrs. Gloria Ojikutu, an officer from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, expressed gratitude to the State government and UNICEF, stating that the insights and knowledge gained would aid in implementing strategies and approaches for engaging with people and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the action plan developed by the Ogun State Government and UNICEF?
The action plan aims to implement coordinated Social Behavioral Change interventions to address critical child survival and development issues.
What was discussed during the capacity-building workshop?
The workshop focused on deepening the understanding of SBC principles for effective cross-sectoral programming, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the transition from Communication for Development to Social and Behavioral Change.
How does the SBC Committee contribute to the community?
The SBC Committee serves as a vital link that supports women and children, aiming to create a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for the State.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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