By najeeb Nasir Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing multidimensional poverty through strengthened social protection systems and innovative financing strategies aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
This assurance was given by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, at the High-Level North-West Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty through Scaled Social Protection Systems and Innovative Financing. The event was organized by UNICEF in partnership with the European Union (EU).
The dialogue brought together governors and representatives from North-West states, development partners, policymakers, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, academics, and other stakeholders to discuss sustainable approaches to tackling poverty across the region.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor said multidimensional poverty remains a major challenge in the North-West, affecting millions of people through limited access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, social services, and economic opportunities.
He stressed that addressing the challenge requires strong political will, strategic investments in human capital development, effective social protection systems, and innovative financing mechanisms capable of reaching the most vulnerable members of society.
Kano first
According to him, the Kano State Government has continued to prioritize programmes that improve access to education, healthcare, youth empowerment, women’s economic inclusion, social welfare, and community development as part of efforts to enhance the quality of life of residents.
“The administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to policies that promote social inclusion, economic resilience, and sustainable development. Reducing poverty requires collective action from governments, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector,” he stated.
The Deputy Governor also commended UNICEF and the European Union for their continued support in strengthening social protection systems and advancing initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable populations across Nigeria.
Participants at the dialogue emphasized the need to strengthen social safety nets, improve data-driven decision-making, expand social registries, mobilize innovative financing, and deepen collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate poverty reduction efforts.
The forum further highlighted the importance of coordinated regional strategies to address the root causes of poverty and ensure that development interventions effectively reach underserved communities.
On behalf of the government and people of Kano State, the Deputy Governor expressed appreciation to UNICEF, the European Union, development partners, and all participants for their commitment to promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development in the North-West region.
He reaffirmed Kano State’s readiness to continue working with national and international partners to advance policies and programmes that strengthen social protection, reduce vulnerability, and create opportunities for shared prosperity.
The dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to enhance cooperation and intensify efforts toward reducing multidimensional poverty and improving living standards across the North-West region.