Kano Advocates Regional Approach to Tackling Multidimensional Poverty
The Kano State Government has called for stronger regional collaboration to address multidimensional poverty through scaled social protection systems and innovative financing mechanisms.
The State Deputy Governor Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made the call today Wednesday at Coronation Hall, Kano Government House during the “North-West Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty Through Scaled Social Protection Systems and Innovative Financing”
He said poverty remains a major challenge affecting education, healthcare, agriculture, housing, and security across the region.
Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo noted that despite the North-West’s vast population and natural resources, multidimensional poverty continues to hinder development.
He explained that the dialogue, organized with the European Union, UNICEF, and the Office of the Vice President, seeks lasting solutions to the challenges
He stressed that shared cultural, religious, and traditional values make regional cooperation essential.
“In this region, we are like siblings from the same parent. There is a need for dialogue among policymakers, academicians and traditional leaders to address poverty,” he said.
Alhaji Murtala Garo said effective interventions would improve healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security, and education, especially for the girl-child.
He highlighted Kano State’s increased investment in health and education under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, with significant budgetary allocations to both sectors.
He added that the present administration is focused on maternal and child healthcare, nutrition support, and poverty alleviation initiatives.
Alhaji Garo further disclosed ongoing programmes in youth empowerment, Almajiri rehabilitation, and girl-child education, alongside efforts to strengthen agriculture and security.
Delivering Vice President Kashim Shettima’s message, Senate Deputy President Senator Barau I. Jibrin said social protection is central to national development and must evolve into a sustainable system that shields vulnerable citizens from economic shocks.
He emphasized the need for credible social registers, transparent payment systems, and strong financing frameworks, noting that poverty reduction requires coordinated planning, sustained investment, and measurable outcomes that improve lives across communities.
Also in his presentation titled “Building the North-West from Within: People, Potential, and the Path Forward,” His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, PhD, recommended the development of a social policy investment framework in each state, with explicit and protected budget lines for targeted interventions across the life cycle.
He proposed “a minimum social package guaranteeing defined services at each stage of life,” alongside dedicated early childhood strategies in each state, with strong investment in skills development, adult literacy, and job creation.
The Emir also emphasized the need for systematic collaboration with traditional institutions to integrate local knowledge into programme delivery. He stressed that “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 noted that states demonstrating genuine leadership in social investment would naturally attract followership, including support from the federal government and development partners.
“Finally, we must publish our results as a region, not just to celebrate success, but to see gaps clearly, compare honestly across states, and forge the future with the intellectual sincerity our people deserve,” the Emir urged.
Highlights of the policy dialogue included goodwill messages from the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Regional Development Programmes (Office of the Vice President), representatives of various Federal Ministries, the UNICEF Representative, and the European Union Ambassador, as well as the Chairman of the North-West Governors Forum and deputies representing the executive governors of Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Zamfara, and Sokoto States. All contributions converged on a unanimous call for deeper commitment to translate shared concerns into coordinated, implementable action, complemented by a short documentary showcasing the North-West’s potential in addressing multidimensional poverty. Lurwanu Idris Malikawa Garu, Public Relation Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office Kano.