The Oyo State Government has announced the expansion of its social register, a vital tool for identifying individuals in need of social intervention programs.
This development, aimed at addressing the needs of the poor and vulnerable across the state, was confirmed by the Acting Coordinator of the State Operation Coordinating Unit, Salami Ismail, during advocacy visits to political leaders and administrators in 12 local government areas set to participate in the 10th round of the Community-Based Targeting exercise.
“This expansion is a testament to Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to supporting poor and vulnerable households across Oyo State,” Ismail stated in a press release issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.
The social register, which was initially launched in 2013 with support from the World Bank and later the Federal Government, has been pivotal in delivering targeted social welfare programs.
Ismail emphasized that as some households have moved out of poverty, others have fallen into economic vulnerability, necessitating an expansion of the register to address the current needs.
Ismail also explained the process of identifying eligible households, which is carried out through a community-driven methodology known as Community-Based Targeting.
“This approach begins with a ranking of local government areas based on poverty levels, a process that relies on verified data and community input,” he said.
“A specialized team of trained local government officers then conducts rankings within each council, ensuring an accurate representation of poverty levels across communities.”
The expansion of the social register aligns with Oyo State’s broader strategy to address poverty through targeted interventions and support for those most in need.
