Governor Uba Sani has promised that his administration will make Kaduna State a model for evidence-driven, government-led, and people-centred social protection in Nigeria and across Africa.

The governor who made the pledge at the launch of the Kaduna State Ultra-Poor Graduation Programme (KADUPG), called on citizens to join hands to make poverty history in the state.

‘’Through the Kaduna State Social Investment Programme Agency (KADSIPA), we have created one of Nigeria’s most credible social registers, covering over one million poor and vulnerable households. ’We have worked with various development partners, to strengthen the State’s social protection system,’’ he said, adding that KADUPG will build on these achievements.

According to him, KADUPG is ‘’a ground breaking initiative that represents not just another government intervention, but a bold step toward transforming lives and building resilience among our poorest and most vulnerable citizens.’’

‘’As we launch the Kaduna State Ultra-Poor Graduation Programme today, we are not just starting another project. We are launching a movement—one that will redefine how we fight poverty, empower communities, and measure progress,’’ he added.

The governor however acknowledged that “despite our collective efforts over the years, we know that poverty remains a major challenge in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.

‘’Many families continue to struggle daily to meet their most basic needs—food, shelter, education, and healthcare. But we also know that poverty is not destiny; it is a condition that can be overcome through strategic, evidence-based, and compassionate policies,’’ he noted.

Mr Sani promised that ‘’ KADUPG will target the ultra-poor—those living on less than $3.00 a day—identified through our State Social Register. It will prioritize women, youth, and persons with disabilities, ensuring that no one is left behind.’’

According to him, KADUPG will adopt ‘’the globally recognized Graduation Approach, pioneered and tested in several countries including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Philippines.

‘’This model has proven that with the right combination of interventions—cash transfers, financial inclusion, livelihoods training, savings mobilization, mentoring, and market access—even the poorest households can move from dependency to self-reliance within a few years,’’ he said.

Outlining the vision and goals of KADUPG, Mr Sani said that it would create a pathway out of poverty that is sustainable, scalable, and locally owned.

According to him, it will empower ultra-poor households to start small businesses and become economically self-sufficient, strengthen household resilience to shocks such as inflation, climate change, and health crises.

The governor added that KADUPG would build human capital by improving nutrition, education, and health outcomes, as well as ‘’institutionalize a government-led graduation model as part of Kaduna State ’s broader social protection system.’’

He pointed out that ‘’this programme is not just a pilot—it is a commitment to scale what works, to build institutions that protect and empower, and to invest in our people as our greatest asset.’’

Mr Sani maintained that the programme was structured into key components, including Temporary Support, where ‘’beneficiaries receive short-term cash transfers to stabilize consumption.’’

According to him, each household received an asset or capital to start a microenterprise, adding participants receive training in business management, savings, and climate-smart livelihoods.

He promised that dedicated field mentors would provide regular guidance and encouragement and beneficiaries are linked to cooperatives, financial institutions, and relevant government services.

The governor thanked development partners, civil society, and communities work together toward a common goal, especially the Gates Foundation, Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), Village Enterprise, AMA Foundation and other local civil society organizations.

He also thanked the Federal Government for its leadership in advancing Nigeria’s social protection agenda and for working closely with us in the fight against poverty and hunger.

‘’To our local government councils, I say: your role will be critical. You are the bridge between policy and people,’’ he added.