By Abbas Bamalli
The Katsina State Government has reiterated commitment to addressing poverty, socio-economic vulnerability, unemployment, and inequality across the state, through its Social Protection (SP) programmes.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Bello Kagara stated this on Monday in Katsina, at the opening of a 5-day training for selected MDAs and local government areas.
According to him, social protection is meant to be a tool that provides a framework for providing social justice, equity and inclusive growth.
“It helps in addressing poverty, unemployment, social and economic vulnerability, inequality, exclusion and other threats to sustainable development and economic stability,” Kagara said.
He said that Gov. Dikko Radda has demonstrated sincere commitment in addressing the above mentioned, by signing the long awaited Social Protection Policy (SPP) document.
According to him, in furtherance to this commitment, Radda approved the ongoing five -day training, organised by the ministry, on effective implementation of social protection activities in the state.
“The Training is a clear manifestation of the state’s commitment to develop the capacity of its staff.
“This is because capacity building is a crucial aspect in organisational development and ensuring the success of a business or institution.
“It involves providing employees with necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to enhance their performance, productivity and professional growth,” he said.
He added that the state was currently running a number of SP related programmes in various MDAs and local government areas.
“Some of the programmes and interventions include but not limited to, free Universal Basic Education for school age children, free Tertiary Education for persons with disabilities, and free Medicare for children under five.
“And also pregnant women, elderly and Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, Home Grown School Feeding, Conditional Cash Transfer, and other interventions for Internally displaced persons.
“Others are Scholarships for Students of Tertiary Institutions, Payment for WAEC and NECO Examinations and support for Natural Disaster Victims,” he said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Shehu Maikano, sought for the participants’ indulgence to pay attention and participate in all deliberations throughout the training.
He expressed confidence that the training would positively impact on skills of participants, for understanding the policy document and better service delivery in SP activities throughout the state.