By Ankeli Emmanuel (Sokoto)
Sokoto State government have been advised to consider having an approved budget line for all child-related financing which should be domiciled in a new department termed, "Social Protection Department".
Making these observations at a 3-day workshop organized by the Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with the United Nations Joint SDG Programme held in Kebbi State, experts however commended Sokoto State for its speed in advancing child protection policy.
Speaking in commendation of the State government efforts in relation to the welfare of children, Alhaji Usman Arzika Bodinga, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said that the Sokoto government approved 25 million nairas to support the domestication of the social support policy in the State in its 2021 fiscal year budget.
Delivering a goodwill message, Dr Faizat Badmus-Busari, the Social Protection Specialist (SDG) Joint Programme Manager, UNICEF, Nigeria, said social protection will help resolve numerous challenges confronting humanity.
Dr Faisat said the 3-day workshop will help participants to be reinforced and also strengthen their capacity on social policy design and legal framework of social protection.
She added that it will help to implement partners to present updates on the joint programme activities, including cash transfer design modalities, monitoring and evaluation as well as internally validate the Draft Sokoto State Social Protection Policy.
In her commendation to the Sokoto State government, Dr Faizat said Sokoto is a model considering how it demonstrated seriousness on the issue of Social Protection Policy.
"Sokoto took a bold step towards social protection policy. Within a couple of months, the State now have a draft copy. This, therefore, makes Sokoto State a model, as the State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has shown commitment and political will to all issues relating to the wellbeing of all", Said Dr Faizat. NNL.
