— He’s well-positioned to champion awareness of the initiative across all 18 Local Government Areas in Ondo State. – SOCU Boss
The Ondo State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU) has honoured the Chairman of Akure South Local Government and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ondo State Chapter, Honourable Gbenga Fasua, with the title of NSR-NIN Integration Ambassador in recognition of his commitment to promoting government social intervention program.
The honour was bestowed during an advocacy visit by the management of the State Operations Coordinating Unit at the chairman’s office in Akure, where the team sought his support for the ongoing integration of the National Social Register (NSR) with the National Identity Number (NIN).
Presenting the ambassadorial recognition, the State Coordinator of SOCU Olaoluwa Bankole Esq. described the ALGON Chairman as a dependable partner whose leadership has consistently facilitated effective communication with local government chairmen across the state.
He noted that the Federal Government has made the possession of a National Identity Number mandatory for beneficiaries of social intervention programmes, explaining that the integration exercise is aimed at improving the credibility of the National Social Register, eliminating duplication, reducing fraud and ensuring that government support reaches genuine beneficiaries.
According to him, the Chairman’s influence both as Chairman of Akure South Local Government and leader of ALGON makes him well-positioned to champion awareness of the initiative across all 18 Local Government Areas in Ondo State.
“We are appointing you as an NSR-NIN Integration Ambassador because we believe your office will help amplify this important message. We want every eligible resident to obtain a National Identity Number so that no one is excluded from government interventions,” he said.
The SOCU Head of Operations, Mr Olabode Kumuyi also explained that the exercise is not a fresh registration but the integration of existing records in the National Social Register with beneficiaries’ National Identity Numbers.
He stressed that the exercise would minimise multiple registrations, improve transparency and ensure equitable distribution of government social investments.
Responding after receiving the honour, the ALGON Chairman Hon. Fasua expressed appreciation for the recognition and pledged to champion the campaign across the state.
He disclosed that the importance of the National Social Register and NIN integration had earlier been discussed at a recent national meeting of ALGON chairmen in Abuja, adding that he fully understands the role of data in effective governance.
According to him, credible data remains the foundation for fair distribution of government interventions, proper planning and accountability.
He assured the delegation that he would not only support the exercise in Akure South Local Government but would also ensure that all local government chairmen in Ondo State are adequately informed through the ALGON platform.
“As Chairman of ALGON in Ondo State, I will ensure that this information is cascaded to my colleagues across the 18 local government areas. I understand the sensitivity and importance of this assignment, and you can count on my support,” he said.
The visit concluded with the formal presentation of the NSR-NIN Integration Ambassadorial Shirt to the chairman as a symbol of the partnership between the State Operations Coordinating Unit and local government authorities in advancing inclusive and transparent social protection programmes in Ondo State.
Folashade Oladeinde mnipr
Communication Officer
