From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Yobe Council, in collaboration with the State Government and the Centre for Human and Social Development Analysis (CHESDA), organized a two-day stakeholders’ workshop aimed at improving the social security system in Yobe State.
In his opening remarks, NLC Chairman Comrade Muktar Musa Tarbutu emphasized the workshop’s objective of bolstering the social security framework in the state.
“In a world that is constantly evolving, it is imperative that we come together to share our knowledge, experiences, and insights so that we may collectively navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” Tarbutu stated.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Mai Mala Buni for sponsoring the workshop and acknowledged the hard work and dedication of other partners and organizers in making the event a reality.
The Head of the Civil Service of Yobe State, Hamid A. Alhaji, lauded the NLC, under Comrade Muktar Musa Tarbutu’s leadership, and the management of CHESDA for organizing the workshop. Represented by Mr. Muhammed Mustapha, Director of the Admin Office of the Head of Service, Alhaji expressed optimism that participants would be well-equipped to disseminate the lessons learned to workers and pensioners across the state.
“It is important for me to stress Governor Buni’s strong commitment to the welfare of all Yobe State citizens and his deep concern for improving the lives of underprivileged groups,” Alhaji added.
Dr. Muntaqa Yushau, a Social Security Expert, highlighted conflict as a significant barrier to accessing social security and essential services in Yobe State. “Seventy percent of Yobe residents live in conflict-affected areas, exacerbating vulnerabilities and limiting access to social security and essential services,” he noted.
Dr. Shuaibu Ahmed Indabawa, another resource person, discussed ongoing social protection programs in Yobe State and emphasized the need to strengthen these initiatives for the benefit of the state’s population. According to Indabawa, these programs include enlightenment and moral discipline campaigns, youth and women empowerment, trade, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development, and social inclusion efforts.
He further mentioned scholarships, tuition and exam fee waivers, free school feeding, free Iftar (Ramadan evening meals), drug revolving schemes, health insurance programs, free medical services for pregnant women, children under five, and accident victims within the first 48 hours, as well as subsidies on agricultural inputs and implements, among others.
Indabawa praised the Yobe State government for its various social interventions, particularly in the healthcare sector.