Governor Uba Sani Empowers 4,912 Kaduna Women Through Poverty Alleviation Program

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has empowered 4,912 underserved women across the state through the “A Kori Taluachi” poverty alleviation programme. This initiative, aimed at promoting economic independence and self-sufficiency among women, provided financial assistance ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦300,000 to beneficiaries.

The governor’s Principal Private Secretary, Prof. Ayuba Bello, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists in Kaduna on Thursday. Bello described the programme as a cornerstone of the state government’s poverty alleviation strategy, targeting women struggling to make ends meet.

“The governor is committed to empowering women and promoting economic independence among them. The ‘A Kori Taluachi’ programme is one of the ways we are achieving this goal,” Bello said.

Support for Local Entrepreneurs

Governor Sani’s administration has also extended support to 100 food vendors during the Kaduna Food Festival held in April 2024. The initiative aimed to boost the local economy and create opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs.

Additionally, the state has introduced a ₦500 million revolving loan scheme for civil servants. The scheme offers loans at a single-digit interest rate of 5% to help civil servants meet their financial needs, improve their standard of living, and reduce financial burdens.

Clearing Pension Arrears and Promoting Accountability

Bello highlighted the state government’s commitment to clearing pension arrears, revealing that ₦4.7 billion had been paid out for death and gratuity benefits.

Kaduna State’s dedication to transparency and accountability has garnered national recognition. The Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity Watch (CeFTPIW) ranked Kaduna as the most transparent state in its Transparency and Public Integrity Index. Similarly, the state ranked second in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria’s Accountability and Transparency Index.

“We are proud of our achievements in promoting transparency and accountability. These principles are essential for good governance and delivering quality services to our citizens,” Bello emphasized.

Improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)

The governor’s policies on financial inclusion and tax reforms have significantly improved Kaduna State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Kaduna recorded ₦62.49 billion in IGR last year, making it the highest-earning state in the North.

“The rural transformation programme has also improved voluntary tax compliance as citizens now see how their money is being spent,” Bello added.

Leveraging Technology and Citizen Engagement

Kaduna State is effectively deploying technology through the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) to ensure efficient service delivery to taxpayers. Governor Sani’s administration is also prioritizing citizen engagement to involve residents in decision-making processes, particularly in resource allocation.

With a focus on poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, transparency, and infrastructure development, Governor Uba Sani’s administration is charting a progressive path for Kaduna State, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the state’s transformation agenda.