Kano MOPB, UNICEF organizes dialogue on financing for children
By Khadija Aliyu
Kano state government (KNSG) says,critical review of budgetary provisions of social protection interventions, is pivotal in mitigating poor nutrition,health care services, educational exclusion and violence against children.
The state commissioner of planning and budget, Musa Sulaiman Shanono made the indication during, a 3 day policy dialogue, with social protection parliamentary forum, on financing for children in social sectors.
According to him,to achieve multi-sectoral and multi-displinary approach to social protection programmes, there’s the need for careful scrutiny and review.
Represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Hajiya Lauratu Ado Diso,the commissioner pointed out that,the allocation of Kano state’s lion share of the proposed 2024 budget, to health and education, by governor Abba Kabir led administration, would go a long way in realizing children’s rights, and addressing vulnerabilities.
She described children as valuable and future drivers of prosperity,harmony,saying that,social protection is an investment and essential in meeting obligations to children’s rights.
Declaring open the dialogue,the speaker Kano state house of assembly, who doubles as chairman of the occasion,Alhaji Isma’il Jibril Falgore represented by the deputy speaker,Alhaji Muhammad Bello Butu Butu noted that,as legislators, they would give the government all the necessary support to move the state forward.
He highlighted that, the cardinal objectives of the state government is to reduce unemployment,poverty and hunger alleviation,quality healthcare delivery,water supply and security,among others.
The unicef social policy protection specialist, Fatima Musa hinted that,the dialogue was organized to look at the bill to map out innovative ways to increase funding on children.
She emphasized on the need for Kano to be the first state to proved universal child grant for children to realize their potentials.
In his presentation titled,child sensitive budgeting in social protection budgeting,the director planning,Kano state ministry of planning and budget,Alhaji Mukhtar Yakasai, identified lack of nutritious food and early learning opportunities,drop outs,child labour,early marriage and unemployment as some of the risks and deprivation experienced by children.
The 3 day dialogue orgainized by Kano MoPB with support from UNICEF, attracted lawmakers representing Dala,Fagge,Dawakin Tofa,Gaya,Doguwa, commissioners,heads of MDAs,media and all relevant stakeholders.
