By Rex Ekiugbo Anighoro

I departed for Enugu on Monday the 1st of February 2021 to participate at the National Review of the Social Protection Policy.

The Review which was themed ‘Joint Zonal Consultations on Review of Social Protection Policy and Institutionalising Social Protection for Accelerated SDGs Implementation in Nigeria’, included all the eleven states in the South–South and South East Regions at the Top Rank Hotel from the 2nd through 5th of February 2021.

I being the focal person for Civil Society at the Delta State Government, attended with three other delegates from the State which included Dr. Andy Ilabor, focal Person for Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs) Delta State Government, Mrs Millicent Amitaye and one other Person for the Ministry and Office of the Commissioner for Economic Planning. I am immensely grateful to Dr. Barry Pere Gbe the Honorable Commissioner for Economic Planning for this opportunity given me as facilitated by him.

At the Zonal review, Delta State clearly made a good showing of itself while presenting its achievements so far in the implementations of Social Protection and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The powerful presentations made by Delta State got everyone in the hall giving Delta State a standing ovation. In fact exclamations of ‘Delta State nor dey carry last’ and rounds of applause by participants rented the air during the Delta State Government Presentations.

Throughout the Joint Consultation event Delta State was showcased as a worthy example fit for emulation by the facilitators of the review which included officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Office of the SSA to the President on SDGs and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning Dr. Barry Pere Gbe and his Ministry clearly distinguished itself, showing class and excellence, infact the gifting of T. Shirts and a copy of Delta State Social Protection Policy booklet to each participant was an inspiring icing on the cake for which the participants were highly appreciative.

The facilitators and participants also expressed condolences to His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa over the loss of His Father. Pa Arthur Okorie Okowa, praying for the repose of his soul.

At the plenaries, making remarks, I made it clear that Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa is the champion of Social Protection and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Implementation as well Civil Society Engagement.

I made them know that the Governor is not one who plays to the gallery but one who through exemplary leadership commits himself to strengthening good governance following templates in tandem with global best practices and standards.

Having returned to Delta State from the review yesterday Friday 5th of February 2021, it is my determination to share the experiences and knowledge garnered from this trip with the Delta State Civil Society Community.

The Place and Roles of Civil Society in advancing Social Protection and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the State will be strengthened.

In the days coming Capacity Building for Delta Civil Society will hold. Let us get ready for Awareness/Advocacy Campaigns as well as Monitoring and Evaluation Engagements also.

Finally, I took time to see the Coal City, in fact Cold catch me, Enugu is such a beautiful place.

*Activist Rex Ekiugbo Anighoro shared via WhatsApp

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