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A three-day strategic workshop organized by the Gombe State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning with support from UNICEF has commenced in Jos to review the Gombe State Social Protection Policy.
The workshop, which began on Tuesday at Valada Hotels and Resorts, Apollo Crescent, has participants from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and other development stakeholders.
Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Jalo Ibrahim Ali, said the review is necessary because the existing Social Protection Policy covering 2022-2026 has expired.
Gombe State is working on developing a new policy for 2027-2030, and Jalo Ibrahim Ali said, “The workshop is coming at a critical time when Governments at all levels are recognizing that effective social protection is not merely a welfare intervention but a strategic investment in human capital development, poverty reduction, social inclusion and sustainable economic growth.
“As we continue to pursue the aspirations of the Gombe State 10-Year Development Plan – DEVAGOM, it is imperative that our social protection remains responsive to emerging realities, national priorities and global best practices,” he said.
He noted that while the 2022-2026 policy provided a framework for interventions to vulnerable and marginalized populations, changing socio-economic conditions, climate shocks, public health emergencies and new vulnerabilities necessitated the review.
“This process will help us assess achievements, identify gaps, and incorporate innovative approaches to strengthen coordination, improve targeting, enhance financing and promote accountability.
“Most importantly, it ensures that no one is left behind – children, women, persons with disabilities, older persons, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable groups,” he emphasized.
Dr. Ali Madina Dankumo of Federal University Kashere said social protection helps make the poor visible, informs policy design and assesses the impact of poverty reduction strategies.
He listed causes of poverty in Gombe to include economic, social, environmental, energy, housing, poor agricultural output and poor sanitation.
He also listed the effects to include hunger, malnutrition, limited access to education and health, social discrimination and low skills.
He added that the new policy will drive inclusive growth, improve human capital, strengthen financial sustainability, incorporate digital innovations and respond to evidence from monitoring and evaluation.
Yusuf Auta, UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, commended the partnership and pledged UNICEF’s commitment to the implementation of the new policy.
He described the review as important to identify what has been achieved, existing gaps, and why they exist.
Officials from Ministries of Education, Agriculture, Women Affairs, Environment and Water Resources, Health, Budget and Economic Planning, Gombe SEMA, Gombe SPHCDA, State Bureau of Statistics, Disability Commission, Office of the Accountant General of the State, CSOs and the media attended.
