By Na’ima Musa Umar
Political leaders, development partners, traditional institutions and policy experts converged in Kano for the North-West Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Setting the Political Agenda for Reducing Multidimensional Poverty Through Scaled Social Protection Systems and Innovative Financing, with discussions centred on practical ways to strengthen social protection and improve the lives of vulnerable communities across the region.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Deputy Governor Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo described the gathering as an opportunity to build a shared regional agenda that places people at the heart of public policy and development planning.
He welcomed Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors from across the North-West, representatives of the European Union, UNICEF, development partners, financial institutions and other participants, noting that the scale of the challenge demands cooperation that extends beyond state boundaries and institutional mandates.
He acknowledged the continuing support of the European Union and other development partners in governance, education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance and poverty reduction, describing such partnerships as an important contribution to wider development efforts across the country.
The Deputy Governor observed that multidimensional poverty reaches beyond income alone, affecting access to education, healthcare, food security, decent housing, clean water, sanitation and economic opportunity. Responding effectively, he said, requires people-centred policies, innovative financing mechanisms and social protection systems capable of reaching those most in need.
While pointing to the enormous human and economic potential of the North-West, he argued that meaningful progress depends on stronger safety nets, sustained investment in human capital and deliberate efforts to create opportunities through which vulnerable households can move from dependency to productivity.
He also highlighted Kano State’s continued investment in health and education, alongside programmes focusing on maternal and child healthcare, nutrition support, youth empowerment, Almajiri rehabilitation, girl-child education, agriculture and poverty alleviation.
Addressing participants during the dialogue, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo stressed the importance of regional cooperation in confronting common challenges.
“In this region, we are like siblings from the same parent. There is a need for dialogue among policymakers, academics and traditional leaders to address poverty,” he said, adding that effective interventions would have far-reaching implications for healthcare, agriculture, education, security and youth development.
Speaking on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate Deputy President Barau I. Jibrin described social protection as an essential pillar of national development and said it must evolve into a dependable system capable of shielding vulnerable citizens from economic shocks.
He emphasised the need for credible social registers, transparent payment systems and sustainable financing arrangements, observing that meaningful progress requires coordinated planning, continuity of investment and measurable outcomes that improve the daily lives of citizens.
In his presentation, Building the North-West from Within: People, Potential, and the Path Forward, the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, PhD, CON, proposed the development of social policy investment frameworks in every state, backed by protected budgetary allocations and targeted interventions across the different stages of life.
He advocated a minimum social package guaranteeing essential services, together with stronger investment in early childhood development, skills acquisition, adult literacy and job creation, while encouraging systematic collaboration with traditional institutions to ensure that local knowledge informs programme delivery.
Emphasising that no citizen should be excluded from the development process, the Emir reminded participants: “You are seen. You are counted. And you will not be left behind.”
He also urged leaders to approach development with honesty and intellectual discipline, saying: “We must tell ourselves the truth and show intellectual sincerity in confronting the data, celebrating progress while refusing to substitute announcements for action.”
The Emir further encouraged states across the region to publish their results collectively, arguing that transparent assessment would make it easier to identify gaps, compare performance honestly and strengthen future planning.
The dialogue featured goodwill messages from the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Regional Development Programmes in the Office of the Vice President, representatives of federal ministries, the European Union, UNICEF and deputy governors representing Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto States.
Across the various presentations, a common thread emerged: reducing multidimensional poverty will require more than policy declarations. It will depend on sustained investment in people, credible institutions, stronger partnerships, transparent systems and the collective resolve to translate shared aspirations into practical and measurable outcomes for communities across the North-West.
The high-level meeting brought together political leaders, development partners and traditional institutions to examine social protection, innovative financing and practical pathways for reducing multidimensional poverty across the region.
Na’ima is the A/Public Relations Officer
Office of the Deputy Governor, Kano state, Can be reached via naimanajj@gmail.com