By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Yobe Council, in collaboration with the State Government and System Development and Analysis (CHESDA), organized a two-day stakeholders’ workshop to improve the social security system in the state.
In his opening remarks, NLC Chairman Comrade Muktar Musa Tarbutu said the workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity for social security systems in Yobe State.
“In a world that is constantly evolving, it is imperative that we come together to share our knowledge, experiences, and insights so that we may collectively navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” he said.
Tarbutu thanked Governor Mai Mala Buni for sponsoring the workshop and thanked other partners and organizers for their hard work and dedication in making the event possible.
Hamid A. Alhaji, the Head of the Civil Service of Yobe State, commended the NLC under the leadership of Comrade Muktar Musa Tarabutu and the Management of CHESDA for organizing the workshop.
Represented by Mr. Muhammed Mustapha, Director of the Admin Office of the Head of Service, Alhaji expressed optimism that at the end of the workshop, the target participants could serve as effective tools for disseminating the lessons learned to workers and pensioners.
“It is important for me to stress the key interest of Governor Buni in promoting the welfare of the entire Yobe State citizenry and his deep concern for uplifting the welfare of the underprivileged groups among the citizens of the state,” he added.
Dr. Muntaqa Yushau, a Social Security Expert, highlighted conflict as a factor limiting access to social security and essential services in Yobe. “Seventy percent of Yobe residents live in conflict-affected areas, exacerbating vulnerabilities and limiting access to social security and essential services,” he said.
Dr. Shuaibu Ahmed Indabawa, one of the resource persons, highlighted some of the ongoing social protection programs in Yobe State and emphasized the need to strengthen them for the betterment of the people of the state.
Some of the social protection programs, according to him, include enlightenment and moral discipline, youth and women empowerment, trade, artisans and skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development, and social inclusion campaigns.
Others, according to him, are scholarships, tuition and exam fees, free school feeding, free Iftar (Ramadan evening meals), drug revolving schemes, health insurance schemes, free medical health services for pregnant mothers, children under five years, and accident victims within the first 48 hours, subsidies on agricultural inputs and implements, among others.
He commended the Yobe government for the various social interventions, especially in the healthcare system.
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