IBADAN: In a landmark effort to advance children-centred advocacy and effective communication for children’s right actualization, Oyo State Government in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), convened an advocacy dialogue and capacity-building meeting with the Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and top officials from the Ministries of Information across the Southwest states of Nigeria.

The event, themed “Scaling Results for Children Through Evidence-Based Social and Behavioural Change,” was held at Orchid Hotel, Ikota-Lekki, Lagos State. It brought together key stakeholders to explore strategic approaches to drive positive social change, promote children’s rights, and advance gender equity through effective communication practices and evidence-based policy alignment.

Representing the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Oyo State, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, in his keynote address, emphasized that success would be measured not just by policies or meetings, but by real outcomes, well-nourished children, access to clean water and protection from vaccine-preventable diseases.

According to Oyelade, “The wellbeing of women and children through three fundamental pillars of public health Nutrition, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Immunization—are interlinked and vital to the survival, growth, and development of our communities.”

He stressed the need for strategic communication, advocacy, and community engagement on social and behavioral change. “We must ensure our messages are clear, culturally relevant, and widely disseminated. We must amplify grassroots voices and empower programs that drive behavior change,” he said.

“As Commissioner for Information, I am reminded of the power and responsibility that communication holds in the success of any public health intervention. Our communities can only benefit from nutrition programs if they are aware of them. Clean water and sanitation will only be effective when people understand and adopt good hygiene practices. Immunization will only reach its full potential if families trust and accept it.”

Oyelade thanked UNICEF for its continued support through technical expertise and resources. He urged participants to be bold in ideas, open to collaboration, and relentless in their commitment to service. “Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient future for all,” he concluded.

In his remarks, UNICEF’s Chief of Social and Behaviour Change, Abuja, Kshitiy Joshi, emphasized the urgency of rethinking communication as a tool for transformation “The world is changing everyday,” he declared.

He highlighted the importance of data-driven, people-centered communication in shaping public attitudes and behaviors. “We must go beyond awareness to action—addressing deeply rooted norms, influencing behaviors, and ensuring that no child is left behind.”

Joshi further noted that sustainable development for children cannot be achieved without the active involvement of Ministries of Information, who play a critical role in shaping public discourse and influencing societal behavior at scale.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Oyo State, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, represented by Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Bukola Bakare, reiterated the meeting’s goal to improve the wellbeing of women and children and ensure that every child survives, thrives, and grows up in a safe and nurturing environment.

“Essential family practices are simple yet powerful actions that families can take to improve children’s health, nutrition, and development,” he said. “From exclusive breastfeeding and handwashing with soap to proper home care for illnesses and timely immunizations, these practices, when consistently adopted, save lives and lay the foundation for a productive and healthy life.”

In their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Osun State, Barrister Kolapo Alimi; Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media and Communication, Hon. Kayode Akinmade; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Ekiti State, Prince Olusesan Alabi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Mr. Olunde Sogunle; and Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Ondo State, Mr. Olanrewaju Akarakiri, commended UNICEF’s strategic role in promoting inclusive communication and policy engagement that prioritizes the welfare of children and women.

They described UNICEF as a trusted partner in progress, whose interventions have significantly impacted communities across the region. The representatives reaffirmed their states’ readiness to partner with UNICEF on future initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and vulnerable populations in the Southwest.

Independent.ng