By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government has been called upon to expedite the implementation of its revised Social Security Assistance program for 11,480 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and elderly individuals, approved by Governor Malam Umar Namadi.
The appeal, made by the Chairman of the Jigawa State Social Protection Platform (JISOP), Comrade Shu’aibu Musa Kafingana, emphasized the need for swift action to address poverty and insecurity.
According to the statement, the updated policy increases monthly social security allowances for PWDs from ₦7,000 to ₦10,000 while expanding the number of beneficiaries in each of the state’s 27 local government areas from 150 to 200. Additionally, a new assistance scheme for elderly individuals has been introduced, covering people per ward across Jigawa’s 287 political wards, bringing the total number of elderly beneficiaries to 5,740, each receiving ₦10,000 per month.
“We are calling on relevant ministries, agencies, and parastatals to expedite the implementation of this significant initiative approved by the governor. This program has the potential to alleviate challenges such as poverty and insecurity, among others,” the JISOP chairman stated.
The platform also commended Governor Namadi for the review and submission of the amended Social Security Law No. 06, 2007, to the Jigawa State House of Assembly, describing it as a landmark achievement for the administration and the people of the state.
Kafingana further applauded the governor’s efforts in enhancing the well-being of PWDs and elderly citizens, emphasizing that the increase in social security allowances and the inclusion of additional beneficiaries reflects the administration’s commitment to social protection and inclusion.
The JISOP chairman called on stakeholders to work diligently towards the speedy implementation of the approved measures, ensuring that the intended beneficiaries receive the support without delay.