The Biodun Oyebanji-led government in Ekiti State has officially re-launched the State Social Mobilisation Technical Committee (SSOMTEC) in a bid to enhance awareness on Polio vaccination and other Programmes that improve children’s well-being across the State.
The re-launch took place during a one-day State Social Mobilisation Technical Committee (SSOMTEC) meeting with MDAs and relevant Stakeholders organized by the Ekiti State Ministry of Information in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF’ )Lagos Field Office.
The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, who led the re-launch, emphasized the critical role of SSOMTEC in fostering positive behavioral change to uphold the basic rights of children and women.
Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Olusesan Alabi explained that the Committee became inactive over a decade ago due to inconsistent government policies resulting from frequent changes in administrations in the State at that time , hence the reason for the meeting to re-launch the Committee in the State.
“It is very important to state here that the governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji is committed to the wellbeing and overall development of Ekiti State and is leaving no stone unturned towards improving the welfare of children” he stated.
“The Health policy of the State Government provides free Health for children ages 0-5, free ante natal care for pregnant women while nursing mothers especially those in Government employment have six months maternity leave and three months of reduced work hours, as well as establishment of Creches around the office environment to promote sound nutritional growth for children” Olatunbosun said.
He reassured that the State Government would continue to collaborate with development partners and non-governmental organizations to promote the welfare of children and the general populace.
The Commissioner specifically commended UNICEF for its consistent partnership in safeguarding public health.
The Programme Director, SSOMTEC, Mrs. Adesola Fadiran, elaborated on the objectives of SSOMTEC, noting that it serves as the coordinating body for communication and behavioral training activities related to child rights, survival, development and protection.
She noted that the meeting aimed to relaunch SSOMTEC, clarify the roles and responsibilities of its members as well as to strengthen awareness of polio vaccination to prevent severe diseases among children in Ekiti State.
Health experts that addressed the participants at the forum emphasized the place of cooperation among the stakeholders in ensuring the polio and other vaccines are taken by the targeted children through aggressive advocacy campaigns as well as sensitization and advertisements on frequently aired programs,particularly the radio.
Present at the meeting were the UNICEF Consultant in Ekiti State, Mrs. Yetunde Akinyosoye, State Health Educator, Ekiti State Primary Health Care Agency, Dr. Olajumoke Oguntoye, State Immunization Officer, NPC, Mrs. Omolabake Olowookere, key stakeholders from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), along with representatives from relevant organizations.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
