By Abbas Bamalli
An NGO, Katsina State Social Protection (SP) Forum, has urged Gov. Dikko Radda to increase investment in programmes that support the poor and vulnerable persons in the state.
The Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdullahi, made the call on Wednesday at a news conference in Katsina.
Abdullahi, represented by a member of the forum, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim-Maifada, said the call was part of the forum’s recommendations for effective Social Protection programmes in the state.
Abdullahi emphasised that the call was necessary to promote inclusive growth, reduce inequality, and build a more resilient society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Radda signed the Social Protection policy in 2023, aiming to reduce poverty levels in the state by 10 per cent by 2033.
Abdullahi said: “The forum is also calling on the governor to expedite the implementation of the policy, so as to address the increasing poverty level bedevilled the state.”
He also appealed to the governor to expand the coverage of existing SP programmes to ensure they reach all those in need, including marginalised and vulnerable populations.
Additionally, Abdullahi recommended that the government should update the state Social Register to accommodate records of all poor and vulnerable people in the state.
The forum’s Chairman also suggested that the governor should create a budget line targeting poor and vulnerable households in line with the Universal Child grant.
“These programmes not only provide a vital safety net for those in need, but also contribute to economic stability, social cohesion, and sustainable development,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders, including the National Assembly members, to support and prioritise SP programmes within their communities.
NAN also reports that the Forum is a Coalition of about 20 CSOs working on social protection in the state, and it is supported by the United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF).
SP programmes encompass a range of initiatives designed to safeguard individuals and families from poverty, inequality, and various risks such as unemployment, illness, disability, and old age.
NAN further reports that the theme of the conference is ‘The need for implementing Social Policy to address multidimensional poverty in Katsina State’.
NAN
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