UNICEF: 48% of Oyo Residents Face Multidimensional Poverty, Only 2% Access Social Assistance

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over the increasing poverty levels in Oyo State, disclosing that nearly half of the state’s population live in multidimensional poverty, yet just two percent benefit from any social assistance.

The concern was raised at the launch of the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI) project in Ibadan.

Representing UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative Saeed Wafaa, UNICEF Chief of Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, stressed that social protection must be viewed as a necessity rather than a privilege.

While commending Oyo State for its Social Protection Policy, establishment of a Coordination Department, and programmes such as free basic education, school feeding, and health insurance, Lafoucriere revealed that 48.7 percent of residents and 72.7 percent of children in the state remain multidimensionally poor, with only 11 percent captured in the social registry.

“When we talk about social protection, we are talking about dignity,” she said. “We are talking about that mother in a rural community who can send her child to school instead of the farm; families that can access healthcare without choosing between medicine and food; and communities that can withstand economic shocks because they have systems that protect them. The time to invest more is now.”

UNICEF Programme and Social Policy Manager, Muhammad Okorie, added that efforts are underway to expand the state’s social register.
“We need to increase the number of households in the social register. By 2026, an additional 250,000 households are expected to be included,” he explained.

Speaking at the event, Acting Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Lawal, noted that the SUSI project would deliver a modernised management information system that connects different agencies.

“With sustained support from the European Union and other partners, we are confident of making greater progress in deepening social inclusion and building resilience,” Lawal said, urging residents and stakeholders to support the initiative.

The SUSI project is a joint effort of UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO), with funding from the European Union.