Kaduna, Nigeria – On November 25, 2024, the Coalition of Associations for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment & Development (CALPED) in collaboration with the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Technical Working Group (TWG) on Strengthening Social Protection (SAP3) held a one-day stakeholders’ planning meeting. The meeting brought together Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and media partners to discuss the launch of a critical milestone: Creating Awareness on Social Protection Programs Across Communities in Kaduna State.
The engagement, attended by key figures such as the Co-chair of OGP Commitments 4 and Kaduna OGP CSOs Advisor, aimed to enhance citizens’ awareness of social protection initiatives implemented by the state and federal governments. Discussions focused on ensuring that these programs reach their intended beneficiaries, particularly poor and vulnerable groups.
Key Observations
The interactive session highlighted several observations:
The milestone’s goal is to launch awareness campaigns in communities across the state, informing citizens about ongoing social protection programs and how to access them.
Stakeholders praised CALPED and the OGP TWG for their effective coordination and capacity-building efforts, which prepare partners to execute various campaign activities.
The launch of the milestone was deemed timely, with stakeholders emphasizing the importance of collaboration and expertise in ensuring successful execution.
Participants identified the array of social protection programs being implemented and stressed the need to ensure these programs benefit the targeted populations.
Resolutions Reached
Following deliberations, stakeholders agreed on the following resolutions:
1. 14-Day Awareness Campaign: From December 2024, partners will conduct a 14-day community outreach to educate citizens about social protection programs and their access procedures.
2. Engagement with Community Leaders: Stakeholders will collaborate with community and religious leaders as well as Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to leverage their networks in spreading awareness.
3. Media Outreach: A mix of traditional and digital media platforms will be utilized, including radio, television, social media, and websites, to reach wider audiences. Engaging content such as infographics, live broadcasts, and focused information sessions will be developed.
4. Accessible Information: Flyers, posters, and other clear, concise materials will be distributed to ensure citizens understand and access these programs easily.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular assessments of the campaign’s impact will be conducted using the TWG reporting template to measure reach and gather feedback from beneficiaries.
Impact and Next Steps
This milestone marks a critical step in ensuring that social protection programs meet their objectives of improving the lives of vulnerable groups. By leveraging a mix of traditional and innovative outreach methods, stakeholders hope to foster greater citizen participation and trust in government programs.
The event concluded with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration among all partners to achieve the milestone’s objectives.
Signed
Alheri Waje, Head of Gender & Social Inclusion, CALPED
Abubakar Tanko, Member, TWG on Strengthening Social Protection Systems, OGP SAP3
