The Lagos State Government has inaugurated a 26-member Social Protection Steering Committee noting that the state’s effort to improve the lives of the poor and vulnerable with the utilisation of the Single Social Register would be achieved.

According to a statement on Friday, the committee inaugurated at the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget in Alausa, Ikeja, would be chaired by the ministry’s Commissioner, Ope George, and also had some members of the State Executive Council on the board.

The committee members are the state Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe; Abisola Olusanya (Agriculture); Bolaji Dada (Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation); and Gbenga Omotoso (Information and Strategy).

Others are Prof Akin Abayomi (Health); Mobolaji Ogunlende (Youth and Social Development); Kayode Robert (Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development); Tokunbo Wahab (the Environment); Tolani Sule (Tertiary Education); Jamiu Alli-Balogun (Basic and Secondary Education), and Dr Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya (Special Adviser, SDGs).

Speaking at the event, George said, “The Lagos State Social Protection Policy, approved in 2020, aims for improved livelihoods, health, education, gender equality, youth employment, and overall human capital development. The Social Protection Council will oversee the implementation of policies and programs for the vulnerable.”

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC Lagos State Council, Agnes Sessi, stated, “With the Social Protection Steering Committee that has been inaugurated today, we will see the roll-out of many of the social protection policies and implementation.”