Governor Sani To Empower 1m Residents Via ‘Ultra-Poor Graduation’ Programme

Governor Uba Sani has launched the Kaduna State Ultra-Poor Graduation Programme (KADUPG), calling on the people to join his administration to make poverty history in the state.

The governor promised to make Kaduna State a model for evidence-driven, government-led, and people-centered social protection in Nigeria and across Africa.

Sani, who stated this at the launch of the programme in Kaduna yesterday, said KADUPG would target those living on less than $3 a day who have been identified through the State Social Register.

The governor outlined KADUPG’s vision and goals, saying it will create a sustainable, scalable, and locally owned pathway out of poverty.

He said KADUPG will prioritise women, youth and persons with disabilities to ensure no one is left behind.
Governor Sani added that KADUPG would adopt the globally recognised graduation approach, pioneered and tested in several countries, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya and the Philippines.

‘’Through the Kaduna State Social Investment Programme Agency (KADSIPA), we have created one of Nigeria’s most credible social registers, covering over one million poor and vulnerable households.

‘’We have worked with various development partners to strengthen the state’s social protection system,’’ he said, noting that KADUPG will build on these achievements.

He said KADUPG is a groundbreaking initiative that represents not just another government intervention, but a bold step toward transforming lives and building resilience among our poorest and most vulnerable citizens.’’

“As we launch the Kaduna State Ultra-Poor Graduation Programme today, we are not just starting another project. We are launching a movement that will redefine how we fight poverty, empower communities, and measure progress,’’ he said.

The governor, however, acknowledged that ‘’despite our collective efforts over the years, we know that poverty remains a major challenge in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.