The Sokoto State government has pledged to sustain budgetary measures towards promoting child-sensitive governance in the state.

The deputy governor, Idris Gobir, made the pledge on Monday at the opening of a two-day joint strategic policy dialogue on social budgeting for child-sensitive governance in Sokoto.

At the dialogue organised by UNICEF for Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, Mr Gobir said the Governor Ahmed Aliyu-led government was fully committed to the welfare of the people.

He said the state government had held a town hall meeting ahead of the 2024 budget formulation to ensure a people-oriented proposal.

 “The wellbeing of the people remains top on the priority list of the current administration; we are committed to transparency and accountability in handling public funds,” he said.

 The deputy governor said the state government would continue to provide succour to the people through cash transfers and other programmes.

“Our skills acquisition programmes and women empowerment initiatives are strongly on course,” he said.

Mr Gobir said the government had increased the monthly cash allowances to physically challenged people in the state.

He commended UNICEF for the initiative, saying that it would complement the government’s efforts to provide better services to the people.

“We solicit your continued support towards improving planning and budgeting in the state,” he said.

Balarabe Kadadi, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, commended UNICEF for its financial and technical support to the state.

Mr Kadadi said the state government was paying enormous attention to the three key child-sensitive areas of health, education, and social protection.

He expressed the commitment of the state government to cooperate with development partners in the interest of people’s welfare.

(NAN)