From Femi Mustapha in Kaduna
The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), in collaboration with Bread for the World (Germany) and the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), co-funded by the European Union, recently organized a community outreach session in Koko, located in the Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The event aimed to enhance public awareness and participation in ongoing social protection programmes, under the theme “Raising Community Awareness on Social Protection Programmes in Delta State.”
During the event, Rev. David Ugolor, the Executive Director of ANEEJ, represented by Deputy Executive Director Leo Atakpu, highlighted the crucial role of social protection in alleviating poverty, strengthening community resilience, and helping vulnerable households, particularly women, youth, persons with disabilities, and older people, access government welfare benefits.
Rev. Ugolor pointed out that Delta State has initiated several social protection programmes under the MORE Agenda, including the Widows Welfare Scheme, Cash Transfers, GEST, AGILE, and various grants.
However, many rural communities remain unaware of how to take advantage of these initiatives. The Koko outreach aimed to bridge this awareness gap by providing community members with accurate information, enrollment guidance, and opportunities for direct engagement with government representatives.
The event featured inspiring testimonies from beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Programme, who shared how the initiative had positively impacted their lives. One beneficiary mentioned that the ₦5,000 monthly cash transfer helped her pay her children’s school fees, ensuring they could remain in school.
She urged the government to continue supporting the programme for vulnerable households.
Others shared how saving part of their benefits and joining cooperatives allowed them to start small income-generating ventures, such as renting chairs and tables, thereby improving their livelihoods.
These stories underscored the transformative impact of social protection programmes in enhancing household welfare, promoting financial inclusion, and strengthening community resilience.
Rev. Ugolor emphasized the importance of improving delivery systems, enhancing transparency, and utilizing digital tools to ensure that social protection interventions reach those who need them most. “Social protection is one of the strongest tools for lifting families out of poverty,” he stated. “However, it must be inclusive, well-coordinated, and understood by the communities it serves. Today’s outreach is part of our commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind.”
The outreach generated key outcomes, including a better understanding of ongoing programmes among participants, who were encouraged to take advantage of available interventions.
The State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU) announced that a new round of Social Register enrollment and updates will commence by the end of November, advising residents to prepare their National Identification Numbers (NIN), Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), and bank details, as these are mandatory requirements.
ANEEJ expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government, the Warri North Local Government Authority, traditional leaders, and community groups for their support in promoting inclusive governance and social welfare delivery in the state.
Rev. Ugolor reaffirmed ANEEJ’s commitment to partnering with government and civil society to build a Delta State where every family, regardless of location, has access to social protection systems that ensure dignity, security, and opportunities.
