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The Problem

Many young people in Osun State cannot access justice quickly. Delays in the courts, the cost of legal representation, limited awareness of legal rights and long detention of awaiting trial persons push youths toward informal settlements, abandoned claims or loss of trust in the justice system. Cases involving tenancy, wages, land, minor offences and police detention often take years to resolve, and young people are least able to bear that delay.

The Proposal

I propose a state policy that creates a Youth Swift Justice framework with three pillars.

1. Youth Justice and Mediation Desks. Establish desks in each local government area, staffed by trained paralegals and supervised by the Ministry of Justice. They would handle pre-action mediation for minor civil disputes, employment complaints and community conflicts, with settlements recorded and enforceable through the courts.
2. Young Paralegal Corps. Train and deploy law graduates, NYSC members and Law School students as community paralegals. They would give free legal information, help with bail applications and track cases of youths in custody. This builds access to justice while giving young lawyers practical experience.
3. Digital Case Tracking. Introduce a simple tracking platform, including an SMS option for users without smartphones, so that detained youths, their families and legal aid providers can follow case status and hearing dates and flag unlawful delays.

Legal Basis

The policy would be anchored on the Administration of Criminal Justice framework, which already promotes speedy trials and the use of alternative dispute resolution, and would work alongside the Legal Aid Council and the state judiciary rather than replace them.

Implementation and Funding

Begin with a pilot in three local government areas, one per senatorial district, for twelve months. Fund it through the state budget, partnerships with the Nigerian Bar Association, development partners and law faculties running legal clinics.

Expected Outcomes

Faster resolution of minor disputes, fewer youths held on remand without trial, lower pressure on court dockets, stronger public trust in justice institutions and practical employment pathways for young lawyers.

Conclusion

Justice delayed is justice denied. Giving Osun youths a fast, affordable and accessible route to justice strengthens the rule of law and the future of the state.

One policy I believe Lagos State urgently needs is a Lagos Youth Employment and Apprenticeship Policy that creates a structured pathway from education and skills development to actual employment.

Young people in Osun State need accessible, affordable and timely mental health support. I propose the development of a state-level Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Policy that strengthens mental health education, early identification, referral pathways and access to appropriate support, particularly within tertiary institutions and other youth-focused settings.

Despite budget allocations, rural communities often lack visibility on localized projects. This policy mandates the creation of an open-source, mobile-friendly state dashboard where every approved capital project at the state and local government level must be uploaded with its exact geolocation, contractor details, and funding status. By legislating radical transparency, we empower grassroots organizations and citizens to act as independent auditors, curbing abandoned projects and ensuring public funds translate into actual community infrastructure.

This Bill seeks to establish the Osun State Social Housing Agency (OSSHA) as a corporate body to develop, regulate, manage and provide decent, safe and affordable housing for low and middle income earners, civil servants, students and vulnerable persons through Public-Private Partnerships and direct intervention.

THE OYO STATE YOUTH PARLIAMENT

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY SPEAKER, OYO STATE YOUTH PARLIAMENT (3RD ASSEMBLY)

POLICY PROPOSAL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF YOUTH LEGAL AID DESKS IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF OYO STATE

Proposed by:

HON. AFOLABI FATHIA O.

Project Focus:

Access to Justice, Legal Aid, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Youth Protection

Coverage:

Local Government Areas of Oyo State

Proposed Desk Personnel:

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, working under appropriate supervision and referral protocols.

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Oyo State Youth Parliament (3rd Assembly) proposes the establishment of Youth Legal Aid Desks across the Local Government Areas of Oyo State as a practical mechanism for improving young people’s access to justice and appropriate legal assistance.

The initiative is conceived as a complementary component of the “Know Your Rights, Know Your Law”. While the legal-literacy campaign will educate young people about their rights, responsibilities and the law, the Youth Legal Aid Desk will provide an accessible first point of contact for receiving complaints, documenting basic information, providing information on available justice mechanisms and referring cases to competent legal-aid and dispute-resolution institutions.

The Desks will collaborate with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Oyo State Office; Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioners and centres; law firms; Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs); Civil Society Organisations (CSOs); and other organisations providing pro-bono legal services.

Complaints received at the Local Government level will therefore not be handled as independent legal representation by the Youth Parliament or NYSC personnel. Instead, cases requiring professional legal intervention will be appropriately referred to the relevant institution or qualified legal practitioner for assessment, advice, mediation, representation or other appropriate action. The Youth Parliament will merely serve as a supervisory body to ensure the proper performance of the aim and objectives of the Youth Legal Aid Desk in the various LGAs.

The physical presence of the Desk within Local Government Areas will make it easier for young people to identify where to seek help when they experience or witness potential legal violations. The initiative will particularly focus on improving awareness of legal remedies, reducing barriers to accessing justice and strengthening referral pathways between communities and formal justice institutions.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

Access to justice is an essential component of the rule of law. However, the existence of legal rights does not necessarily guarantee that citizens, particularly young people, can effectively enforce or protect those rights. Young people may encounter disputes involving employment, tenancy, contracts, family matters, educational institutions, law enforcement, domestic and gender-based violence, consumer transactions, digital activities and other areas of everyday life.

In many cases, the challenge is not merely the absence of legal protection but a lack of knowledge about where to go, who to approach and what procedure to follow when a legal problem arises.

The proposed Youth Legal Aid Desk seeks to address this gap by establishing an accessible Local Government-level referral mechanism connecting young people with existing legal-aid, ADR and pro-bono services.

3.0 BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

The Youth Legal Aid Desk is based on the principle that legal literacy should be accompanied by accessible pathways to justice. It is therefore not sufficient to tell a young person, “You have a legal right.” The individual should also know:

• Where to report a violation;
• Who can provide legal assistance;
• Whether the matter is suitable for mediation or ADR;
• Whether the person may qualify for legal aid;
• How to obtain pro-bono representation where available;
• What documents or information may be relevant to the complaint; and
• What institution has jurisdiction over the particular matter.

The Local Government structure provides an opportunity to decentralise access to information and referrals.

By establishing Youth Legal Aid Desks at the Local Government level, the Oyo State Youth Parliament can create a structured connection between communities and existing justice-sector institutions.

4.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Many young people who encounter legal problems may not know where to seek appropriate assistance. Some may rely on informal advice, social media or unqualified individuals, potentially worsening the situation.

Other barriers include:

• Limited awareness of legal-aid services;
• Financial constraints associated with legal representation;
• Geographical distance from legal service providers;
• Fear or uncertainty about approaching justice institutions;
• Lack of information about ADR mechanisms;
• Limited awareness of available pro-bono services; and
• Difficulty identifying the appropriate institution to approach.

There is therefore a need for a structured and accessible referral mechanism at the Local Government level.

5.0 AIM & SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of the Youth Legal Aid Desk is to improve young people’s access to appropriate legal assistance by establishing Local Government-level platforms for legal information, complaint intake, referral and connection to recognised legal-aid, ADR and pro-bono service providers.

The initiative seeks to:

1. Establish accessible Youth Legal Aid Desks within Local Government Areas of Oyo State.
2. Provide young people with information on available legal and dispute-resolution mechanisms.
3. Receive and document basic complaints presented by young people.
4. Establish a structured referral pathway for complaints requiring professional legal intervention.
5. Connect eligible complainants with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Oyo State Office.
6. Refer suitable disputes to recognised Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
7. Connect eligible cases with participating law firms and organisations offering pro-bono legal services.
8. Improve awareness of existing legal-aid and justice-sector services.
9. Reduce geographical and informational barriers to accessing justice.
10. Promote early and peaceful resolution of appropriate disputes through ADR.

6.0 THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH LEGAL AID DESK

The Desk will primarily function as a:

A. Legal Information Point

The Desk will provide general information on:

• Fundamental rights;
• Access to justice;
• Legal-aid services;
• ADR mechanisms;
• Available pro-bono services;
• Complaint procedures; and
• Relevant justice-sector institutions.

B. Complaint Intake and Documentation Point

The Desk shall receive complaints and collect basic information necessary to understand the nature of the matter.

Such information may include:

• Name and contact details of the complainant, where voluntarily provided;
• Nature of the complaint;
• Date and location of the incident;
• Parties involved;
• Available supporting documents;
• Immediate concerns; and
• Preferred form of assistance.

C. Referral Point

Where a matter requires professional legal intervention, the Desk will refer it to the appropriate institution.

Possible referral destinations include:

Legal Aid Council of Nigeria – Oyo State Office

For matters falling within its mandate and subject to its eligibility and acceptance procedures.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Providers

For disputes considered suitable for mediation, negotiation, conciliation or other appropriate ADR processes.

Law Firms

Participating law firms may accept qualifying matters, including matters agreed to be handled on a pro-bono or reduced-fee basis.

Pro-Bono Organisations

Relevant NGOs, CSOs, legal clinics and other recognised organisations providing free legal services may receive appropriate referrals.

7.0 COMPLAINT REFERRAL FRAMEWORK

The proposed referral pathway will operate as follows:

STEP 1 - COMPLAINT RECEIVED

A young person approaches the Youth Legal Aid Desk or submits a complaint through an approved channel.

STEP 2 - BASIC INTAKE

The Desk records the basic information required for referral.

STEP 3 - INITIAL CLASSIFICATION

The complaint is categorised according to its general nature, such as:

• Criminal justice;
• Civil dispute;
• Family-related matter;
• Employment;
• Tenancy;
• Human-rights concern;
• Educational matter;
• Gender-based violence;
• Consumer dispute;
• Contractual dispute; or
• Other appropriate category.

STEP 4 - REFERRAL

The matter is referred to the most appropriate participating institution or professional.

STEP 5 - PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT

The receiving legal-aid body, ADR practitioner, law firm or pro-bono organisation determines the appropriate legal response.

STEP 6 - FOLLOW-UP

The Desk shall follow up administratively to determine whether the referral was successfully received, subject to confidentiality requirements and the consent of the complainant. Where the referral was unsuccessful, a report is to be made to the Oyo State Youth Parliament where appropriate step(s) will be taken. 

8.0 NYSC INVOLVEMENT

The Local Government Youth Legal Aid Desks may be manned administratively by selected NYSC members, subject to appropriate institutional approval, training and supervision. NYSC personnel will serve primarily as Desk Officers/Legal Aid Desk Coordinators, rather than as independent legal practitioners.

Their responsibilities shall include:

• Receiving complaints;
• Completing intake forms;
• Providing approved general information;
• Maintaining administrative records;
• Managing referral documentation;
• Connecting complainants with designated service providers;
• Maintaining the Desk’s directory of legal-aid and pro-bono providers;
• Organising legal-literacy activities; 
• Preparing quarterly administrative reports to the Oyo State Youth Parliament.

8.1 PROPOSED SERVICES

The Desk may facilitate referrals concerning:

• Human-rights violations;
• Police-related complaints;
• Access to justice;
• Employment disputes;
• Tenancy disputes;
• Contractual disputes;
• Family and matrimonial matters;
• Educational disputes;
• Gender-based violence;
• Child-protection concerns;
• Consumer complaints;
• Minor civil disputes suitable for ADR;
• Prison/correctional justice-related matters; and
• Other matters within the scope of participating service providers.

Cases involving immediate danger, serious violence or other urgent circumstances should be escalated immediately to the appropriate competent authorities and professional service providers.

8.2 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARD

NYSC Desk Officers should not independently provide legal advice, represent complainants, draft legal opinions or make professional determinations reserved for qualified legal practitioners, unless the individual officer is separately qualified and authorised to perform such functions.

Their work shall operate under the supervision of a designated House committee of the Oyo State Youth Parliament.

9.0 TRAINING FOR NYSC DESK OFFICERS

Before deployment, selected NYSC personnel should undergo a structured orientation covering:

• Basic legal literacy;
• Fundamental human rights;
• Principles of access to justice;
• Complaint intake procedures;
• Referral protocols;
• ADR awareness;
• Legal-aid eligibility and referral processes;
• Confidentiality and data protection;
• Safeguarding and handling vulnerable complainants;
• Gender-based violence referral protocols;
• Emergency situations; and
• Professional boundaries and ethical limitations.

The training should be facilitated by qualified legal practitioners and relevant justice-sector stakeholders.

10.0 BUDGET

1. ESTABLISHMENT OF 33 LGAs DESKS

Each LGA Desk should have a basic professional appearance and the minimum materials required for receiving complaints and making referrals.

B. NYSC DESK OFFICER TRAINING

The first batch of NYSC officers should receive standardized training before assuming responsibility at the desks.

Training will cover:

• Basic legal literacy;
• Complaint intake;
• Referral procedures;
• Legal Aid Council referral;
• ADR referral;
• Pro-bono referral;
• Confidentiality;
• Data protection;
• Safeguarding;
• Handling vulnerable persons;
• Emergency referrals; and
• Professional limitations.

1. COMMUNICATION & REFERRAL SYSTEM

The Desk needs a reliable communication system because its major function is connecting complainants to professional service providers.

10.0 PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK

The success of the initiative will depend on formal collaboration with appropriate institutions.

Legal Aid Council of Nigeria – Oyo State

The Council will serve as one of the principal referral destinations for qualifying matters and may provide technical guidance and professional support to the initiative.

ADR Practitioners and Institutions

Appropriate disputes may be referred to recognised ADR practitioners or institutions for mediation, negotiation, conciliation or other suitable processes.

Law Firms

Participating law firms may establish a pro-bono or reduced-fee arrangement under which qualifying matters are referred to them.

NGOs/CSOs and Pro-Bono Organisations

Organisations with expertise in human rights, women’s rights, children’s rights, access to justice and other relevant areas may provide specialised support.

Oyo State Youth Parliament

The Parliament will coordinate the overall youth-focused component, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, sensitisation and monitoring of the initiative.

11.0 LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE

Each participating Local Government Area will have:

Youth Legal Aid Desk

↓

NYSC Desk Officer

↓

Complaint Intake & Documentation

↓

Referral Assessment

↓

Appropriate Service Provider

Legal Aid Council / ADR / Law Firm / Pro-Bono Organisation

↓

Professional Legal Assistance / Mediation / Representation

This structure ensures that the Desk functions as a bridge between young people and existing justice institutions, rather than attempting to replace those institutions.

12.0 STRUCTURE 

The Youth Legal Aid Desk will serve as the practical follow-through mechanism for an earlier and broader Know Your Rights, Know Your Law campaign.

The relationship will be:

ONLINE GRAPHICS

Awareness

↓

COMMUNITY SENSITISATION ONE-DAY LEGAL LITERACY WORKSHOP

Education, Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement

↓

YOUTH LEGAL AID DESK

Access and Referral

↓

LEGAL AID / ADR / PRO-BONO SERVICES

Professional Intervention

This creates a complete cycle from awareness to access to justice.

13.0 CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

Because the Desk will handle potentially sensitive complaints, strict confidentiality and responsible information management will be required.

The Desk should:

• Collect only information reasonably required for the referral;
• Obtain appropriate consent before sharing information;
• Restrict access to complaint records;
• Maintain secure records;
• Avoid public disclosure of complainants’ identities;
• Establish procedures for handling sensitive complaints; and
• Comply with applicable Nigerian data-protection and confidentiality requirements.

14.0 EXPECTED OUTCOMES

The establishment of Youth Legal Aid Desks is expected to:

1. Improve awareness of available legal services among young people.
2. Increase referrals to legitimate legal-aid and pro-bono providers.
3. Improve access to ADR mechanisms for suitable disputes.
4. Reduce reliance on unqualified sources of legal advice.
5. Create stronger links between Local Government communities and justice-sector institutions.
6. Improve the ability of young people to identify and respond appropriately to potential rights violations.
7. Establish a sustainable Local Government-level access-to-justice referral network.

15.0 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The initiative will monitor:

• Number of Local Government Areas with functional Desks;
• Number of NYSC Desk Officers trained;
• Number of complaints received;
• Categories of complaints;
• Number of referrals made;
• Number of referrals accepted;
• Number of matters referred to Legal Aid;
• Number referred to ADR;
• Number referred to participating law firms;
• Number referred to pro-bono organisations;
• Number of matters successfully resolved, where information is available;
• Number of legal-literacy activities conducted; and
• Feedback from beneficiaries.

A periodic report will be prepared to assess the performance and effectiveness of the Desks and submitted to the Oyo State House of Assembly.

16.0 SUSTAINABILITY

For long-term sustainability, the Oyo State Youth Parliament should seek to establish formal partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding with relevant legal-aid, ADR and pro-bono organisations.

A central Youth Legal Aid Coordination Secretariat may also be established to maintain:

• A database of participating lawyers;
• Law firms offering pro-bono services;
• ADR practitioners;
• NGOs and CSOs;
• Legal-aid providers;
• Referral procedures; and
• Local Government Desk Officers.

This will ensure that the initiative remains functional even as NYSC personnel rotate out of their postings.

17.0 CONCLUSION

The proposed Youth Legal Aid Desk will transform the Know Your Rights, Know Your Law campaign from a legal-awareness programme into a practical access-to-justice initiative. By placing a structured referral point within Local Government Areas and connecting young people with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Oyo State Office, ADR practitioners, law firms and pro-bono organisations, the initiative can help bridge the gap between knowing one’s rights and obtaining appropriate assistance when those rights are threatened or violated.

The Oyo State Youth Parliament therefore seeks the collaboration of relevant government institutions, legal practitioners, development partners, NYSC authorities, civil society organisations and pro-bono service providers to establish and support the Youth Legal Aid Desks across Oyo State.

Many newly admitted students in Ogun State tertiary institutions face difficulties during their transition into university, including registration and clearance, finding safe accommodation, understanding school procedures, accessing reliable information and coping with the financial demands of starting university.

I propose the establishment of an Ogun Fresh Student Support and Transition Programme (OFSTP) for newly admitted students in public tertiary institutions across Ogun State.

The programme would provide every newly admitted student with a verified digital orientation package containing information on registration, fees, academic procedures, student rights, accommodation, transportation, healthcare, scholarships and emergency contacts. Each institution would also establish a Fresh Student Help Desk and mentorship system connecting new students with trained senior students and staff.

The Ogun State Government could also work with tertiary institutions to create a database of verified student accommodation and expand targeted financial assistance for students from low-income households.

The goal is to ensure that admission into a tertiary institution does not become the beginning of unnecessary confusion, financial hardship or vulnerability. Every student should have access to the information and support needed to begin their education successfully.

After the domestication of the Disability Act, 2018 in Ekiti state into the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) law, the implementation of key sections on the law has been faced with several barriers which has disenfranchised persons with disabilities, especially youths with disabilities at various levels.

To drive the genuine, sustainable implementation of the Ekiti State Disability Law (2020), we must transition from passive legal protections to an active, accountable, and economic-driven enforcement system. While the current law clearly mandates crucial rights, including a five percent employment quota for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), accessible infrastructure, and anti-discrimination safeguards which is a significant implementation gap which remains. Young PWDs across communities in Ekiti State continue to face systemic barriers to employment, accessible education (including tertiary institutions), and public spaces, often reducing robust statutory provisions to mere intent. To bridge this gap, I therefore propose the policy initiative titled “The Ekiti Youth Disability Inclusion and Economic Empowerment Framework (EYDIE-Framework),” an action-oriented policy framework designed to institutionalize compliance, promote economic independence, and protect the rights and livelihoods of young persons with disabilities across Ekiti State.

The first core pillar of this policy introduces the 5% Quota Compliance and Disability Inclusion Index, which would be an annual data-driven assessment managed by the Ekiti State Agency for the welfare of Persons with Disabilities (EKSODA) in collaboration with organization of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and other civil society organizations in the state. This index will evaluate all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as private contractors and corporate bodies in Ekiti State, on their adherence to the five percent employment quota and physical accessibility standards as provisioned in the Ekiti State's disability law. Crucially, the policy will link high compliance scores to tangible benefits, such as preference in state procurement bidding and state tax incentives, while non-compliant entities face administrative queries and public disclosure. By establishing clear metrics and leveraging state procurement mechanisms, this helps to move disability inclusion from a charity model to the human right model, both in corporate and public governance.

The second pillar focuses directly on youth livelihoods through the Ekiti State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Digital Economy (MISDE). Recognizing that employment quotas can only be filled when candidates are equipped with market-relevant and employability skill, this initiative partners the state government with private tech hubs, vocational centers, and technical colleges across Ekiti’s three senatorial districts. The program will offer sponsored, fully accessible training in digital skills, vocational crafts, and enterprise management tailored specifically for youths with disabilities. Upon completion, participating companies and government agencies seeking to fulfill their statutory employment quota will draw directly from this certified talent pool, creating a seamless pipeline from skill acquisition to gainful employment and financial autonomy.

At the core of this policy idea towards ensuring these rights are enforceable and public spaces are truly inclusive, the policy framework establishes a Disability Rights Enforcement Desk within the Office of the Public Defender and mandates an Inclusive Infrastructure Pre-Disbursement Audit. The dedicated legal desk will provide free legal aid and streamline reporting mechanisms for young PWDs facing discrimination, labor exploitation, or denial of access in public or private institutions. Concurrently, the infrastructure audit mandates that no public funds for new state construction or renovation projects will be fully disbursed without prior certification of universal accessibility standards including ramps, tactile paving, and accessible sanitary facilities. By addressing this institutional compliance, economic empowerment, legal redress, and physical accessibility simultaneously, this policy framework will ensures the Ekiti State Disability Law becomes a living and working document/manual and effective shield for young persons with disabilities in Ekiti State, enabling them to thrive as equal, productive, and prominent contributor as well as beneficiary in our state's development

POLICY PROBLEM

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other chronic conditions, are increasingly important public health concerns in Osun State. Many people, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, may live with these conditions without knowing their health status because of limited routine screening, inadequate awareness, financial barriers, and delayed access to appropriate care.

Primary healthcare facilities are often the first point of contact for many residents, but opportunities for routine NCD screening, early detection, counseling, referral and follow-up can be strengthened. Late detection can result in avoidable complications, increased healthcare costs and loss of productivity.

Osun State therefore needs a coordinated, community-based approach that makes basic NCD screening and prevention more accessible, particularly at the grassroots level.

POLICY GOAL

To reduce preventable illness and complications from non-communicable diseases in Osun State by strengthening community-based screening, health education, early detection, referral and follow-up through Primary Healthcare Centers and community health structures.

KEY POLICY ACTIONS

1. Routine NCD Screening at Primary Healthcare Centres

Establish routine screening for blood pressure, blood glucose, body mass index and other appropriate risk factors at Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across the state.

Ensure that individuals with abnormal results receive appropriate counseling, referral and follow-up.

2. Community-Based Health Screening

Introduce periodic community health screening programmes in rural and underserved communities, markets, schools, workplaces, religious institutions and other strategic locations.

Work with Local Government Health Authorities, community health workers, civil society organizations and trained volunteers to reach populations that may have limited access to healthcare facilities.

3. NCD Health Education and Prevention

Develop sustained public education programmes on healthy diets, physical activity, tobacco avoidance, harmful alcohol use, stress management and other modifiable risk factors.

Health education should be delivered in simple language and, where appropriate, in local languages to improve understanding and community participation.

4. Strengthen Early Detection and Referral

Develop a clear referral pathway linking community screening points and Primary Healthcare Centres with appropriate secondary and tertiary health facilities.

People identified with elevated blood pressure, high blood glucose or other concerning findings should receive appropriate follow-up rather than being screened and left without further care.

5. Community Health Worker Capacity Building

Train and equip community health workers to conduct basic NCD risk assessments, provide prevention education, identify danger signs and facilitate referrals.

Periodic refresher training should be provided to maintain quality and consistency.

6. NCD Data and Surveillance

Strengthen the collection and use of NCD screening data at Primary Healthcare and Local Government levels.

Data should be used to identify high-risk communities, plan interventions, monitor trends and evaluate the effectiveness of programs.

7. Dedicated Prevention Funding

Establish a dedicated budgetary provision for community-based NCD prevention, screening, health education, referral support and capacity building.

Funding should prioritize underserved communities and areas with limited access to healthcare services.

8. Multi-Sectoral Collaboration

Strengthen collaboration between the Ministries and agencies responsible for health, education, environment, agriculture, youth and local government, as well as civil society organizations and community leaders.

NCD prevention should be approached as a shared development responsibility rather than solely as a health-sector issue.

PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE ACTION

The Osun State House of Assembly should consider supporting a legislative framework that institutionalizes community-based NCD prevention and screening across the state, establishes clear responsibilities for relevant government agencies, provides for sustainable funding, and requires periodic reporting on screening coverage, referrals, follow-up and health outcomes.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

1. Increased access to routine blood pressure and blood glucose screening.
2. Earlier detection of hypertension, diabetes and other NCD risk factors.
3. Increased public awareness of preventable NCD risk factors.
4. Improved referral and follow-up for people identified with abnormal results.
5. Stronger capacity of Primary Healthcare Centres and community health workers.
6. Better availability of data for NCD planning and decision-making.
7. Reduced preventable complications associated with late detection and poor management of NCDs.

KEY POLICY MESSAGE

NCD prevention should not begin when complications develop. Osun State can save lives and reduce healthcare costs by taking prevention, screening and early detection closer to the people, especially in underserved communities.

The problem

Laws against gender-based violence and harmful practices such as FGM only protect people when services stand behind them. During my work on the campaign to end FGM, I saw that awareness alone is not enough. A woman or girl who finds out she has legal protection still needs somewhere to report, someone to help her access legal aid, and support to recover. When these services are unfunded or hard to reach, especially in rural communities like those in Ijero, survivors stay silent and cases go unreported.

The proposal

The Ekiti State Government and House of Assembly should establish a clearly labelled budget line, backed by a Survivor Support Fund, for preventing and responding to gender-based violence and harmful practices. It would cover:

1. Survivor support services, including counselling, medical care, and temporary safe shelter.

2. Free legal aid, so survivors can pursue cases without cost being a barrier.

3. Community awareness and prevention, working with women's groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and schools.

4. One accessible support point in each of the three senatorial districts, linked to local government areas and health centres, so no survivor has to travel far.

5. Public reporting, with an annual plain-language report showing how much was budgeted, how much was released and spent, and how many survivors were reached.

Why it matters

· It turns existing legal protections into real services, so rights can be claimed and not merely read about.

· It makes spending visible, so citizens and civil society can check that money meant for women and girls actually reaches them.

· It encourages reporting, because survivors are more likely to come forward when help exists and is nearby.

· It reaches rural women, who are often furthest from legal and health services.

How it could be implemented

Begin with a pilot in one senatorial district for the first year, using existing structures such as primary health centres, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Women Affairs. Partner with development organisations, legal aid groups, and civil society, including agencies that have supported awareness work like mine. Set up a small oversight committee including women's groups and the Assembly's relevant committee to review spending each quarter. After a year, review the number of survivors supported and cases followed through, then extend to the other districts.

Expected result

Survivors across Ekiti, from the market woman to the rural schoolgirl, will know their rights and have real, funded support to claim them, while citizens can see where the money goes.