BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
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Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) recently held a community outreach in Obed Camp, Ngenevu, Enugu North LGA, to sensitize residents on available social protection programmes in Enugu State.
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The outreach, held under the ActNaija Project, focused on the theme: “Raising Community Awareness on Social Protection Programmes in Enugu State.”
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In a welcome address, the Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Leo Atakpu, said the project is co-funded by the Europian Union and implemented by a consortium of three organisation which are; Bread for the World, African Network for Environment and Economic Justice, and New Initiative for Social Development.
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Mr. Atakpu noted that the outreach underscores the need to strengthen resilience and expand equitable access to support services for disadvantaged families.
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He highlighted the transformative potential of well-coordinated social protection systems, explaining that programmes such as health insurance, cash transfers, agricultural input support, youth empowerment, and other welfare interventions can uplift citizens when implemented transparently and effectively.
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In a remark, the Enugu State Focal Person for the Social Investment Programme, Dr. Innocent Ogbonna, encouraged residents to respond quickly to government programme announcements.
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He also confirmed that the cash transfer programme is currently active and urged eligible households to take advantage of the initiative.
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The State Coordinator of the Social Operations Coordination Unit (SOCU), Barr. Joy Eneh, advised participants to ensure their personal data is captured in the State Social Register.
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She assured that citizens without a National Identification Number (NIN), which is required for registration, would be assisted to obtain one at no cost.
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The Principal Planning Officer, Enugu State Economic Planning Commission, Ms. Nzekwe Henrietta, explained the project’s goal of supporting vulnerable communities.
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She expressed confidence that the initiative will have a long-term impact on improving access to social protection and uplifting disadvantaged households.
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Two beneficiaries, Mr. Kelvin Agbo and Mr. Joseph Ene , shared their experiences, describing the programme as a vital source of relief that has helped their families navigate financial hardship.
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ANEEJ reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency and ensuring equitable access to welfare interventions across Enugu.
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Recall that the ActNaija project is implemented in seven states (Borno, Delta, Ekiti, Enugu, Ondo, Osun, Kogi and the FCT), with the overall objective of improving inclusivity of social protection system in Nigeria.
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