Oyo State Government has partnered the United Nations Children’s Fund to launch a working group on situation analysis of children and women in the state at a three-day workshop, held in Oyo town.
The workshop had in attendance stakeholders from different fields of human endeavours. The forum brainstormed on issues affecting women and children in the state.
A similar programme is expected to hold in nine states.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Oyo State, Adeniyi Farinto, noted that the forum was essential for planning, progress and development.
Farinto, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mofoluke Adebiyi, said,
“The essence is to determine what exactly are the causes and ways to eradicate the high mortality rate among the women and children in Oyo State. When it is well with the mothers and children, it will be well with the society.
“It is expedient to recall that Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, which was conducted in 2016/2017 revealed a lot of negative indices as Oyo State recorded high rates of infant and under-five mortality.
“In view of this, there is concerted effort on accelerated action initiative to reduce morbidity and mortality in some local government areas. For-better informed intervention, there is need to undertake full situation analysis of children and women in the state.”
The commissioner urged the stakeholders to work for the common good of the state.
The UNICEF consultant, Wale Oladimeji, who stressed the importance of children and women as critical part of the society, harped on the need for stakeholders to engage in situation analysis.
