Osun Partners UNDP, Norwegian Govt To Launch Crisis Early Warning Device

… trains, empowers 200 victims of violence

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

In its effort at improving the security framework of the state, Osun State Government has partnered the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Norwegian Government to launch a crisis Early Warning and Early Response System (EWERS) and EWERS Situation Room.

The programme which was funded by the United Nations Developmemt Programme (UNDP), the Norwegian Government and Osun Government also birthed the training and empowermemt of 200 victims of violence in the State.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony and distribution of starter packs to the trained victims of violence and the launching of crisis Early Warning and Early Response System (EWERS), Governor Adegboyega Oyetola described the partnership as a invaluable step towards consolidating on the increasing gains Osun has recorded in its efforts at ensuring a peaceful, productive and enabling state for lives and businesses of citizens to thrive.

Oyetola, who expressed profound appreciation to UNDP and the Norwegian government for their thoughtfulness and for the kind consideration of Osun State as a host of the project, registered his assurance that the project will complement his administration’s efforts at improving security of lives and properties.

Oyetola, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Benedict Alabi, said: “The Early Warning and Early Response project was designed to collaborate and strengthen the security framework in and around the State and further facilitate attainment of sustainable peace and stability in the State.   On behalf of the good people of Osun, I say a big thank you to our partners for these worthwhile interventions.

“Crisis Early Warning and Early Response System and Situation Room is a welcome addition to our Emergency 293 Short-Code Call System through which citizens report emergency cases. This System has helped, in no small measure, in keeping at bay, potential crises situations and ultimately helped us in coordinating and responding  to diverse emergency needs.

“The aspirations and objectives of our Development Plan are aimed at achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth with full and productive employment that ensures high standard of living for all residents of the State. 

“They are also aimed at achieving diversified and enhanced revenue base by providing enabling business environment which will attract and retain investors and expand existing businesses, all in a secured environment.  

“Our government is also determined to achieve world-class infrastructure system that attracts investors, facilitates economic growth and supports the State’s priority needs. In the last three years, we have demonstrated unreserved commitment to these goals, deploying relevant strategies, and reaching out to critical stakeholders and Development Partners”, he said.

Oyetola, who also described the empowerment programme as a worthy addition to his administration’s resolve to empower women and youths, charged the beneficiaries of make judicious use of the starter packs so as to project the impact of the programme.

In his remark, the Norwegian Trade Councillor, Mr Hans Peter Christopherson, described the programme as a crisis aversion and peace building mechanism aimed at attacking a problem from different angles.

“We are empowering victims of violence as a form of reintegration strategy, while also launching a system that helps address security issues, which is not a Nigerian problem but a world problem. We are glad that youths are critical beneficiaries of this programme”, he said.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Matthew Alao, UNDP Governance, Peace and Security Team Lead, said: “The EWERS will provide early warning signals that can be acted upon by the government to strengthen the State’s peace and security  while the empowerment of the 200 beneficiaries will build community resilience to violence and promote peaceful coexistence”.

In his welcome remark, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Professor Olalekan Yinusa, stated that the beneficiaries were carefully selected through the World Bank accredited social register which had the list of different categories of vulnerable citizens.

He added that the training and empowerment covered 12 trades, including tailoring, hairdressing, bricklaying, electrical installations, welding and fabrication, carpentry and woodwork, plumbing, leather work and shoemaking, catering and decoration, soap making, computer and mobile phone repair.