Civil Group Seeks UN Assistance in Establishing Social Protection Policy in Anambra

The Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET) a civil society group, has urged the United Nations (UN) mission in Nigeria to assist Anambra State government in establishing a Social Protection Policy in the State.

Prince Chris Azor, Chairman of the group who doubles as the citizens Co-Chair, Open Government Partnership (OGP), made this remark at Government House, Awka, in the presence of the Resident Coordinator, United Nations in Nigeria, Mr Marthias Schmale, during an interaction with CSOs, Youth leaders and women group on ways they could be of assistance to Anambra state.

Comrade Azor, lamented the absence of a State centric Social Investment Programme (SIP). According to him the State presently relies more on the Federal government initiated SIPs, which is not far reaching.

He said: “Poverty, hunger and disease have remained high in rural areas, remote communities, and among female –headed households, and these cut across the entire populace.

“The situation has become worse with the COVID-19 pandemic which has exacerbated unemployment and destroyed several businesses and livelihoods.

According to him, without security and social protection, there can be no peace and sustainable development.

The group further appealed to the state government and development partners to complement efforts of civil society organizations who have embarked on a project of Enhancing Social Protection Programme in Anambra State, Nigeria (ESPPIN).

“The project is being implemented with the goal to support the onboarding and establishment of Social Protection Policy in Anambra State”, he adds.