The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving child and maternal health outcomes through a strengthened Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) strategy, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
This followed the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop for members of the state’s SBC Committee, held on November 26 and 27, 2025.
Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy Alh Waheed Adesina commended UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office for its steadfast support in advancing public health initiatives.
He highlighted the importance of partnership and synergy in safeguarding child survival and ensuring the holistic development of mothers and children.
“The success of our mission depends entirely on our collective efforts,” he said.
“UNICEF provides the global framework and technical expertise, while the Ministry, through the SBC Committee, drives strategic messaging and public engagement.
Each participant here plays a crucial role in translating these strategies into real impact within our communities.”
He explained that the transition from Communication for Development (C4D) to Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) represents a significant evolution in public health communication—one that focuses on understanding the social, cultural, and psychological factors influencing behaviour rather than merely raising awareness.
Describing the workshop as a strategic investment, the Permanent Secretary noted that participants would be equipped with new competencies, including behavioural insights, positive deviance approaches, and gamification techniques.
These, he said, would enable them to develop interventions that inspire lasting behavioural change, particularly in the crucial first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training, engage actively in group sessions, and share practical experiences that would enrich the outcomes of the programme.
The Permanent Secretary also commended the Programme Director and her team for organising what he called a “timely and impactful workshop,” expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to drive behavioural change campaigns that would boost the state’s performance in child survival, nutrition, and education.
With the formal declaration of the workshop open, sessions commenced immediately, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to deepen their understanding of SBC principles and refine Ogun State’s strategies for improving health outcomes.
The Programme Director, Alhaja Kemi Ewedairo-Yusuf, while welcoming participants, said the workshop marked a decisive shift from merely disseminating health messages to driving meaningful behavioural change across communities.
She described the initiative as a “launchpad” for a more targeted and people-centred approach to public health communication.
“We have gathered with a shared and urgent purpose: to move from broadcasting messages to igniting change,” she said. “The well-being of every child and mother in Ogun State depends on the collective expertise in this room—strategists, storytellers, and frontline implementers working as one.”
Ewedairo-Yusuf emphasised that effective SBC requires listening to communities, understanding the motivations behind behaviours, and co-creating solutions that resonate culturally and emotionally.
She urged participants to actively engage and collaborate throughout the workshop, noting that the insights gained would shape future health interventions in the state.
