Writing By DANIEL KARLMAX; Editing By BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani says the State has developed a credible Social Register for Social Intervention Programs following the implementation of the Executive Order on Financial Inclusion for the most vulnerable citizens.
Governor Uba Sani stated this while declaring open the two-day Kaduna Social Protection Summit, themed ” Rethinking Social Protection Targeting Systems: Financial Inclusion and Social Register as the Foundation” in Kaduna.
Governor Uba Sani said, the State had placed high premium on bringing succor to the poor, vulnerable and underserved citizens by carrying out pro-poor measures to ensure the people are given the needed relief.
He further pointed out that, he had since on resuming office in May last year, signed an executive order on financial Inclusion to address exclusion of the poor, underserved and the vulnerable from financial services, to enable them benefit from government’s Social Intervention programs.
He said, the aim was to empower people with tools like savings account, credit, insurance and data payment options for them to fully participate in the formal financial system, manage their finances, and build economic resilient in Kaduna State.
From L-R commissioner of agriculture, Mr. Murtala Dabo, Speaker, kaduna state house of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Liman, Deputy Governor of Kaduna state, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Gov. Uba Sani and other partners during the summit in Kaduna state
As part of effort to achieve this, Gov. Sani said government has successfully opened two million bank accounts for the poor, vulnerable and underserved citizens of the state, out of the targeted two point five million, and is working tirelessly to ensure that accounts for the remaining five hundred thousand less privileged citizens are created.
According to him, the State Social Security Bill has also been signed into law, alongside the Kaduna State Social Investment Program, that created an agency to coordinate all National and sub-national Social Protection Interventions in the State.
The Governor also pointed to the fact that, he has approved the design of the Kaduna State Universal Child Grant Program, Ultra-Poor Graduation Program for Rural Women, and Kaduna State Old Age Social Pension Scheme for the informal sector
He expressed the desire to collaborate with the National and International Development Agencies to ensure effective implementation of the three flagship Social Protection Programs.
In the area of Social Interventions, Governor Uba Sani said, the State has sustain its progress through the strategic partnership with National and International partners.
While acknowledging the contributions of the implementing partners like the World Bank, Save the Children International, and UNICEF among others, Governor Uba Sani expressed the need for support in enhancing and increasing coverage of key programs around governance and improving delivery of basic services for the poor, with focus on health, education and Social Protection among others.
Other areas according to him included, supporting economic recovery through inclusive growth, youths employment and climate smart development, humanitarian response, as well as improving peace, safety and security.
In a goodwill message, Chief of Kaduna UNICEF Field Office, Dr. Gerida Birukila
Pledged total support to the Government of Kaduna state to strengthen its Social Protection system to enable it provide effective, inclusive and sustainable support for vulnerable population.
Dr. Birukila, represented by the Social Policy Officer, Wakidara Marvis who pointed out that, sustainable financing is necessary for a successful Social Protection Policy Implementation, said, UNICEF had supported flood victims in Kaduna with cash transfers, and is looking forward toward assisting the Government on its Social Protection readiness and assessment.
The UNICEF Chief encouraged Kaduna State to enact legislations that mandate the provision of Social Protection as a right for all citizens, to guarantee access to Social Security, Health care, Unemployment Benefits, as well as integration of Social Protection into state Development plan.
Speaking also, the team lead for one of the implementing partners, Save the Children International, Mr. Yimave Terkula Gyanggyang said with the active collaboration between them over the years, the organization had provided technical, advisory, and capacity building support to Kaduna state for effective service delivery.
He identified programs and policy design, strategic plans and Social Protection related legislations, including the best Youths Focus interventions among others, as some of the support provided to the state.
The event that was attended by notable figures such as the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Liman, Commissioner of agriculture, Murtala Dabo, alongside National and International partners, and Civil Society Organizations among others, featured presentations, panel discussion and questions and answer session.
