By joshua STAKEHOLDERS URGE KOGI GOVT TO APPROVE SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICY AS 2026 ANEEJ INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY HOLDS IN LOKOJA
Stakeholders in Kogi State have called on the state government to urgently approve and implement the Draft Kogi State Social Protection Policy, saying it is critical to building an inclusive, technology-driven safety net for young people and vulnerable citizens.
The call was made in a communiqué issued on Tuesday, 12th August, 2026, during the commemoration of the 2026 International Youth Day in Lokoja, themed “Leveraging Technology to Promote Social Protection.”
The event was organised by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, in partnership with the Office of the Special Adviser to the Kogi State Government on Youth Matters. It brought together youth leaders, government officials, civil society organisations, community leaders, development partners and representatives of MDAs to discuss how technology can improve social protection delivery.
In the communiqué, participants noted that technology has become a critical instrument for improving access to information, strengthening service delivery, promoting transparency and accountability, and connecting vulnerable citizens to social protection programmes.
They observed that social protection is essential to inclusive development as it helps individuals and households withstand economic and social shocks. The forum stressed that digital tools such as digital registration, reliable social registers, electronic payments, data management, real-time monitoring, and grievance redress mechanisms can significantly improve how programmes are delivered.
Participants also emphasized that young people must not be viewed only as beneficiaries but as innovators, creators, digital ambassadors and partners in designing technology-driven solutions. However, they warned that limited access to digital technology could deepen exclusion, and called for deliberate measures to reach rural communities, persons with disabilities, women and other vulnerable groups so that digitalization does not leave anyone behind.
The gathering further noted that public awareness, accurate data and strong feedback systems are fundamental to effective social protection. It described the Draft Kogi State Social Protection Policy as an important framework for a coordinated and sustainable system, adding that its approval would strengthen coordination among MDAs, reduce duplication and improve targeting of resources.
In its resolutions, the forum urged the Kogi State Government to prioritize the timely approval of the Draft Policy and commence implementation. It also called for the establishment of robust digital systems for beneficiary registration and identification, improved interoperability among MDAs, and increased investment in digital literacy and inclusion programmes for youths and vulnerable communities.
Other demands include strengthening digital platforms for citizen feedback and complaints, ensuring technology-driven programmes are accessible in rural areas, and creating opportunities for young people to participate in the design and implementation of tech-based solutions. Stakeholders also called for stronger partnerships with CSOs, development partners, technology innovators and the private sector to support sustainable social protection initiatives.
On their part, the youths pledged to use technology responsibly to promote awareness of social protection programmes, combat misinformation, participate actively in civic engagement, develop innovative solutions, and advocate for inclusion, transparency and accountability
Delivering her keynote presentation titled “Leveraging Technology to Promote Social Protection: Empowering Youth for Inclusive Development in Kogi State,”
Ms Halima Oiza Sadiq, State Project officer for Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice
noted that technology is transforming how governments deliver services by enabling digital registration, direct electronic payments, real-time monitoring and transparent grievance systems.
Her presentation highlighted that the Draft Kogi State Social Protection Policy, developed through extensive consultations, seeks to establish a coordinated framework for delivering social protection services across the state.
The event was attended by Comr. Adeku Adams Adogu, Speaker, Kogi State Youth Parliament; Alonge Israel Femi, SSA to the Governor on Digital Communication and former Youth Council Chairman, Kogi State; Eniola Olayemi, SSA to the Governor on Grassroots Mobilization; Hon. Sam Kadri, SSA to the Governor on Grassroots Sensitization; Hon. Mrs. Eunice Olukomogbo, SSA to the Governor on Community Peace Building; a representatives of the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State; the Director of the National Orientation Agency; the Head of Operation Cash Transfer; and other stakeholders.
Highlights of the event was a panel discussion by the Chairman, Kogi Civil Society Network, Amza Aliyu, Youth Representative and the Representative of Person with Disability.
In conclusion, participate and Panelists said technology has the potential to transform social protection from a system that merely responds to vulnerability into one that actively promotes inclusion, opportunity, dignity and resilience.
“Our message is clear: Leverage technology. Strengthen social protection. Empower young people. Leave no one behind,” the communiqué stated.
The Communique was signed on behalf of participating youths and stakeholders on 12th August, 2026.