Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET), a platform for Citizens and Non State Actors has urged the United Nations Mission in Nigeria to assist Anambra State Government in onboarding a Social Protection Policy in the State.
Prince Chris Azor, the Chairman of the group who doubles as the citizens Co-Chair, Open Government Partnership (OGP), made this remark at government House, Awka, before the Resident Coordinator of the 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.
"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. Without security and social protection, there can be no peace and sustainable development" he said.
He therefore, appealed to the Government and development partners to complement efforts Civil Society Organizations who have embarked on a project "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.
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