Delta inaugurates committee on social mobilisation

Desirous of effecting changes in some key household practices, the Delta State government has inaugurated Social Mobilization Technical Committee (SSOMTEC) to coordinate communication for development activities.

The committee’s chairman, Mr. Paul Osahor, explained that its role is to advocate behavioural changes on household issues. He listed such matters to include the use of insecticide treated nets, hand washing and breast-feeding.

Osahor, who is the state director of information, urged members to participate actively by articulating on matters that enhance development.

He said members of the committee include the ministries of information, women affairs, community and social development, water resources and health.

Others are, primary health care development agency, education, rural development, national orientation, education and the United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Osahor added that over time, there has been poor communication among the stakeholders, which has hampered the effective functioning of the committee in the state.

He said for it to affect the lives of the people, as designed by UNICEF, it should hold regular meetings where the people would be enlightened.

The chairman urged the members to channel their communication activities like jingles through the ministry of information.

He added that the ministry is saddled with the responsibility of enlightening, mobilising and informing the people about government activities, programmes and policies without cost.

The secretary of the committee and state director, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Isaac Ezechi said that SSOMTEC is not just for mobilisation, but a technical partner that offers advice towards achieving the objective of the body.

He urged stakeholders to hold regular dialogue with the communities to understand areas where they need intervention.