Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, has stressed the importance of social protection in addressing poverty and inequality in the state.
Speaking in Birnin Kebbi yesterday at a dialogue for top policy makers organized by State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with UNICEF Sokoto Field Office on social protection, Senator Umar highlighted the challenges faced by many individuals and families in the state, including poverty, hunger, and lack of access to basic services.
Tafida assured that the state government is committed to social protection programmes but emphasized the need for collaboration with UNICEF, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders for it success.
He outlined the key areas of focus, including cash transfers, access to quality healthcare and education, job creation, and support for vulnerable groups.
The deputy governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to creating a safety net for the most vulnerable members of society.
He acknowledged that success depends on collective effort and collaboration with stakeholders, including local governments, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
According to the deputy governor, the dialogue brought together the representatives from the line Ministries to discuss ways to implement the social protection program in Kebbi State. The event is aimed to raise awareness and explore strategies for effective implementation.
Tafida who urged participants to work together to build a more equitable society, also thanked them for their attention and noted that the dialogue by the top policy makers is a significant step towards addressing social and economic challenges in Kebbi State.
UNICEF Representative, Dr. Shamina Sharmin, commended the state government for recruiting 500 human resources and agreeing to support 390 primary healthcare workers with counterpart funding. She appealed for effective operation of the UNICEF bureau, citing the MOU signed earlier by the Government on the issue.
Other speakers, including Hajiya Aishatu Usman and Isah Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of sensitizing government policymakers on UNICEF programs in the state