Save the Children International (SCI) has said Social protection is not only a powerful tool to address poverty, but is also widely recognized as an important policy instrument to address economic, social and political exclusion and vulnerability.
National Programme Manager Child Development Grant Program (CDGP) Mr. Kayode Ajumobi disclosed this during the. launching Of Kaduna State Social Protection policy in kaduna North West Nigeria on 23rd , February,2021.
He lauded Kaduna State Goverment for the launch of the program saying, what happens today is a clear demonstration of the Administration’s political will and unequivocal commitment to provide social protection for all its citizens- especially its most vulnerable, poor and socially excluded ones.
He however warned that if the policy is not properly backed financially, technically and structurally, the kind of change the policy would bring about will be very much limited.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to be associated with this epoch-making event, made possible through the generous support of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), formerly DFID, via the CDGP-strengthening social protection systems programme.
” CDGP has continued to provide technical support to the Social Protection Steering Committee and Technical Working Group throughout the policy development process.
“Thus, we are all indeed very encouraged by the State Government’s commitment of a minimum of one percent of the State’s total Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), to Social Protection commencing this year 2021 and the ongoing process to develop and enact a state social protection law.
” However, to crown this remarkable achievement, Save the Children, through the CDGP programme, would like to call the His Excellency and indeed, the government of Kaduna state at all levels to go a step further by:,
.Legislating the state policy and with it, establish the state social protection fund and the state social protection agency as contained in the policy.
“Ensuring that a separate budget line is created- funds allocated and released timely in order to guarantee the full implementation of the bill.
” These two actions coupled with full implementation of the Social Protection strategic plan will not only enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of SP in the state, but will result in overall reduction of poverty and sustained improvements in the general wellbeing of women, children and the vulnerable and socially disadvantaged citizens of the state.” He said
Culled from The News Investigators
