The Ogun state government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has developed a workable action plan towards harmonising Social Behavioral Change (SBC) interventions that addresses child survival and developmental issues.
This was part of deliberations at a two-day capacity-building workshop on Social and Behavioural Change (SBC), held at the Aremo Olusegun Osoba Hall, Governor’s office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta,Ogun state capital.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Waheed Adesina, while declaring open the workshop appreciated the unwavering support, collaboration, expertise and resources provided by UNICEF, noting that these contributions remained invaluable to the shared mission of improving the lives of citizens.
Adesina explained that the mission to safeguard child survival, ensure holistic development and guarantee the protection of every child and mother in Ogun State depends entirely on collective and synergistic efforts.
“Our UNICEF partners provide the global framework and technical expertise, while this SBC Committee drives strategic messaging and public engagement. Each of you, as implementers across various sectors, translates these strategies into tangible actions within our communities,” he said.
He added that the Social Behavioural Change Committee served as a critical link in the chain that could uplift children and mothers, saying it contributed to a healthier, safer and more prosperous future for the State.
Adesina described the transition from Communication for Development (C4D) to Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) as a significant evolution from mere awareness creation to actively understanding and addressing the complex social, cultural and psychological factors that influence behaviour.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director, Production Services in the Ministry of Information, Kemi Ewedairo-Yusuf, stated that success in areas such as child survival, nutrition and education hinge on the ability to effectively influence behaviours and reshape social norms.
Meanwhile,the SBC Consultant, Michael Oyediji, said SBC transcend beyond communication as it could penetrate communities through the strategic use of various approaches and tools to facilitate change within individuals and social systems.
