JiSOP Identifies Challenges of Non-Remittance to PWDs Trust Funds in Jigawa
From Mika’il Tsoho Dutse
The Jigawa Social Protection Platform (JiSOP) has uncovered challenges related to the non-remittance of pledged funds to Disability Trust funds by 27 Local Government Chairmen in Jigawa state.
JiSOP Chairman, Comrade Shuaibu Musa Kafin-Gana, disclosed these issues during an advocacy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Rehabilitation Board at the new Secretariat in Dutse.
Comrade Kafin-Gana acknowledged the commitment of the Board to matters concerning Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), pregnant, and lactating mothers. He highlighted the success in securing remittances from civil servants but expressed concern about the lack of contributions from Local Government Chairmen despite extensive advocacy efforts.
Furthermore, the Chairman raised concerns regarding private sectors and individuals who have yet to fulfill their pledges made during the launch of the trust fund last year.
During the visit, Kafin-Gana also appealed for the formation of a Disability Fund Implementation Committee to ensure transparency and accountability.
However, he lamented the non-replacement of beneficiaries for Social Security Allowance due to unfortunate losses of some beneficiaries’ lives.
In response, Executive Secretary Alhaji Sale Zakar commended JiSOP’s efforts and pledged to address the raised issues. He assured a meeting with the Chairman of ALGON to discuss the challenges faced by Local Government Chairmen in fulfilling their pledges.
Regarding the Disability Fund Implementation Committee, Zakar mentioned that the committee is already in place, and appointment letters will be issued to its members. He emphasized the importance of replacing beneficiaries for Social Security Allowance and pledged to collaborate to achieve this goal.
In a separate advocacy visit to the Commissioner of Women Affairs, JiSOP Chairman shared positive outcomes. Following a communique to the governor advocating for social security for the elderly, the governor allocated #500 million for the elderly and orphans, directing its implementation to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
The Commissioner, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, expressed openness to recommendations from civil society organizations, emphasizing their crucial role. She confirmed the inclusion of JiSOP in the Committee for the Disability Fund and noted the allocation of #500 million in the ministry’s 2024 budget for the initiative.
