Katsina Expresses Readiness to Address Poverty, Socio-Economic Vulnerability, and Unemployment
The Katsina State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling poverty, socio-economic vulnerability, unemployment, and inequality through comprehensive Social Protection (SP) programs. This commitment was highlighted by Alhaji Bello Kagara, the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, during the opening of a five-day training session for selected Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and local government officials in Katsina.
Kagara underscored that social protection is a crucial framework for promoting social justice, equity, and inclusive growth. He pointed out that the SP programs are designed to address various socio-economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and vulnerability, thereby fostering sustainable development and economic stability in the state.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has shown a strong commitment to these goals by endorsing the Social Protection Policy (SPP) document and approving the ongoing training aimed at enhancing the implementation of SP activities. This training is intended to develop the capacity of state staff, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to improve their performance and productivity in executing SP programs.
Katsina State currently runs several Social Protection-related programs, including free Universal Basic Education, free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, free healthcare for children under five, pregnant women, and the elderly, as well as the Contributory Health Insurance Scheme. Additional initiatives include the Home Grown School Feeding Program, Conditional Cash Transfers, support for internally displaced persons, scholarships for tertiary students, and payment for WAEC and NECO examinations, among others.
Alhaji Shehu Maikano, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, urged participants to actively engage in the training, expressing confidence that it would enhance their understanding of the SP policy and improve service delivery across the state.
