Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has stressed the need for all social intervention programmes to reach the vulnerable in society.
Mr Sani spoke on Saturday in Kaduna when the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Nentawe Yilwatda, paid him a courtesy visit.
He lamented an increase in the country’s poverty index despite various poverty alleviation programmes.
According to Mr Sani, this is an attestation that most social interventions hardly meet their set targets.
He advised the minister to check the authenticity of the social registers, decrying that the national poverty index highlighted by the National Bureau of Statistics was scary.
Mr Sani explained that most intervention programmes designed to support the poor did not get to them, saying, “This is because they are financially excluded.”
He, however, recalled that the first executive order he signed as the state governor was on financial inclusion.
” As we speak, over 2.2 million residents have opened bank accounts in this state.
‘’This administration’s target is to ensure that everyone, especially the vulnerable, open bank accounts so they can benefit from the interventions of the state and federal government,’’ he added.
According to Mr Sani, President Bola Tinubu’s administration aims to create more jobs and reduce poverty.
He said, “That is the reason this administration is constructing three vocational and skills acquisition centres in Rigachikun, Zangon Kataf and Soba towns.”
The governor said his administration is already remodelling the Panteka Market in Kaduna to become a major centre for skills acquisition by engaging over 38,000 artisans.
‘’This government is also collaborating with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to provide certification for graduates of the Panteka Market,’’ he said.
The minister commended Mr Sani, saying,” his programmes and policies align seamlessly with those of the Federal Government.”
Mr Yilwatda also commended the governor for his inclusive style of governance, adding, “This has brought peace to the state.”
(NAN)
