By Adeola Badru

IBADAN — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has committed $16 million over a three-year period to support the Oyo State Government’s efforts in promoting and safeguarding children’s rights.

The investment, announced during a Child Rights Advocacy Dialogue with all 33 local government chairmen in the state, will focus on enhancing healthcare, education, and child protection services across Oyo. For 2025 alone, $5.2 million has been earmarked to support key activities tied to the advancement of children’s rights.

Speaking at the event held at Plaza D’Aruna Hotel, Ibadan, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Mr. Kolawole Bello, disclosed the funding initiative. He explained that UNICEF’s support is part of a broader three-year strategy aimed at realizing the full spectrum of child rights in the state.

Representing the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Musbau Babatunde, Bello emphasized the critical role of local governments in the success of such interventions.

“Local government is the closest tier of government to the people,” he said. “This proximity makes it a strategic partner for UNICEF and the state government in ensuring impactful, grassroots-level implementation of child-focused programs.”

He urged local leaders to prioritize children in their planning and budgeting processes, especially now that LGAs have autonomy over their allocations.

UNICEF’s Social Policy Manager, Muhammad Okorie, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the inclusion and engagement of local governments is central to the success of any policy aimed at protecting children.

“Without meaningful involvement of the third tier of government, we cannot make lasting progress,” Okorie stressed. “That is why all chairmen are here—to focus on key child rights issues and commit to actionable solutions.”

Okorie pointed out that with over three million children in Oyo State, deliberate investment in their welfare is not optional but imperative.

“We must begin to show evidence of prioritization—whether in policy, budget, or implementation,” he said. “Article Four of the Convention on the Rights of the Child clearly mandates increased investment. Local government chairmen, as duty bearers, must lead by example despite financial limitations.”

In a goodwill message, Mr. Salami Akeem, Chairman of Oyo East Local Government—representing Hon. Sikiru Sanda, the Chairman of all Chairmen in Oyo State—welcomed the initiative and pledged that local councils would take steps to align their budgets and policies with the needs of children.

He assured that the partnership between UNICEF, the state government, and local authorities would effectively tackle existing challenges and ensure the full protection and promotion of children’s rights throughout Oyo State.