Local government chairpersons in Katsina have resolved to strengthen their commitment towards uplifting about 1.46 million children suffering from multidimensional poverty.

The resolution was noted in a communiqué issued on Tuesday at the end of a two-day capacity-building workshop in Kano, organised by the Katsina State Bureau of Statistics with support from UNICEF.

Governor Dikko Radda admitted that 1.46 million under-five children in the state were suffering from malnutrition, poor healthcare, and inadequate education. Mr Radda urged the local government council chairs to deepen the implementation of social protection policies at the grassroots level.

The communiqué, adopted by representatives of key stakeholders, described the step as a major move towards breaking the cycle of child poverty in the state.

Participants agreed to review the Purchasing Power Parity, using the dollar rate to redefine the poverty line for the state, with a view to ensuring that interventions reflect current economic realities.

The chairmen also recommended collaboration with the State Operation Coordinating Unit to update the social register, describing it as a critical tool for identifying and supporting the poorest households. They also resolved to commence a statewide sensitisation campaign on poverty reduction and social protection, engaging traditional/religious leaders, community-based organisations, and advocacy groups.

According to the communiqué, each local government will establish a Planning, Research, and Statistics unit under the office of the chairman to support the development of local government development plans.

It also called for increased budgetary allocations to child-sensitive social protection programmes to guarantee children’s access to basic needs, education, and healthcare.

Participants endorsed the creation of a Social Protection Monitoring Task Force at the community level to work with Technical Working Groups and the Zakkat and Waqf committees.

They also noted the importance of enhanced data collaboration between LG PRS units and the State Bureau of Statistics to ensure that governance decisions are based on accurate and up-to-date data.

The communiqué recommended continuous capacity building for local government councils’ chairmen and PRS staff, including learning visits to states with advanced social protection systems. It added that local governments would actively participate in the design and implementation of federal and state social protection initiatives.

Alhaji Badaru Musa, Chairman, Bindawa Local Government Council and acting ALGON chairperson in the state, commended the organisers for enhancing their understanding of social protection policies.

”Let us carry forward the lessons we have learned and translate them into practical actions that will improve lives and uplift communities across our local governments,” he said.

(NAN)