The Katsina State House of Assembly has inaugurated the Social Protection (SP) parliamentary forum to advocate for the social protection policies and programmes.
Reports say the forum was inaugurated in Katsina on Thursday, by the Speaker of the Assembly, Alhaji Nasir Yahaya-Daura.
Social protection, or social security, provides benefits to individuals on the basis of risks faced across the life cycle, especially unemployment, disability, maternity, and to those suffering general poverty and social exclusion.
Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Abduljalal Haruna-Runka, the speaker said it was a significant initiative aimed at improving the living standards of citizens.
He further emphasised the forum’s relevance in addressing social protection issues and enhancing the well-being of the people, especially the less privileged.
The speaker highlighted the forum’s mandate, which includes promoting social protection policies, advocating for vulnerable groups, and collaborating with stakeholders.
The forum, chaired by the deputy speaker, comprises selected members of the assembly who will work in collaboration with other stakeholders to drive the SP initiative.
Earlier, UNICEF’s Social Policy specialist, Kano Field office, Fatima Musa said the forum is a platform or network where legislators come together to discuss, share knowledge, and advocate for SP policies and programmes.
She explained that the forum identifies common challenges and explores effective policies and measures for strengthening state level appropriate SP systems, including floors.
According to her, the aim of the forum is for the legislators to ensure that the aspirations for social protection are attained to the benefit of the most vulnerable populace of Katsina state.
“And also to strengthen the parliamentary role in shaping and monitoring social protection policies and programmes,” she said.
The objectives of the forum including coordination, policy exchange, advocacy and awareness, capacity building training, collaboration, development and maintaining cooperation with other organisations with similar objectives.
This development is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of Katsina State residents, and the forum’s efforts will be closely monitored to ensure effective implementation of its objectives.