Kebbi, UNICEF Hold Dialogue On Poverty, Social Protection

Kebbi State government in collaboration with United Nations International Children’s Funds (UNICEF) has organised a dialogue where they stressed the importance of social protection in addressing poverty and inequality in the state.

Speaking while declaring open the dialogue for top policymakers organised by the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with UNICEF Sokoto Field Office on social protection held at the Cabinet Office in Birnin Kebbi deputy governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafidan Kabi highlighted the challenges faced by many individuals and families in the state, including poverty, hunger, and lack of access to basic services.

Senator Umar Tafida assured that the state government is committed to social protection programmes but emphasised the need for collaboration with UNICEF, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders for its success.

He noted that the success of the dialogue depends on collective effort and collaboration with stakeholders, including local governments, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and community leaders.

According to the deputy governor, the dialogue brought together the representatives from the line ministries to discuss ways to implement the social protection programme in Kebbi State. The event is aimed at raising awareness and exploring strategies for effective implementation.

Tafida, who urged participants to work together to build a more equitable society, also thanked them for their attention and noted that the dialogue by the top policymakers is a significant step towards addressing social and economic challenges in Kebbi State.

UNICEF representative, Dr Shamina Sharmin, commended the state government for recruiting 500 human resources and agreeing to support 390 primary healthcare workers with counterpart funding. She appealed for effective operation of the UNICEF bureau, citing the MOU signed earlier by the government on the issue.