By Salihu Ali, Kano
Jigawa State has completed the implementation of a life-cycle social protection framework, a pioneering system designed to provide continuous welfare support to citizens at every stage of life from pregnancy to old age.
Governor Umar Namadi announced the achievement during the official launch of the Cash-Out Phase of the Jigawa State Old Age Social Protection Scheme in Dutse, describing it as a milestone that sets a new standard for social welfare delivery in the country.
“This programme represents the completion of our life-cycle approach to social protection interventions in Jigawa State, following the existing programmes for pregnant and lactating mothers and children under five,” Governor Namadi said.
He explained that the life-cycle model ensures no citizen is left behind, with coordinated programmes that promote equity, dignity, and access to essential services for all, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged.
Under the newly launched Old Age Support Scheme, elderly citizens across the state will receive monthly cash transfers, free healthcare services, and long-term social care.
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A total of 5,740 beneficiaries 20 per ward across 287 political wards have been selected for the first phase.
The scheme will be managed by key state agencies to includes the Jigawa State Rehabilitation Boar, the Jigawa State Contributory Health Insurance Management Agency (JICHMA) and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development which will coordinate home care, counselling, and psychosocial support for healthy and active ageing.
Governor Namadi emphasized that the initiative builds upon other ongoing welfare interventions, such as the Maternal Cash Transfer Scheme, which now provides ₦7,000 monthly to 30 beneficiaries per ward up from ₦5,000 for 20 beneficiaries.
He also confirmed the relaunch of the Monthly Social Security Scheme for Persons with Disabilities, following a recent legal amendment that increased monthly stipends from ₦7,000 to ₦10,000 and raised the number of beneficiaries from 150 to 200 per local government, bringing the total to 5,200 across the state.
“These interventions reflect our administration’s 12-Point Agenda, especially the pillar on Social Welfare and Inclusive Development, which focuses on improving the lives of vulnerable groups, including Persons with Disabilities,” Namadi stated.
The governor further disclosed that data collection on orphans and orphanages has been completed ahead of the rollout of a new Orphans Welfare Programme, aimed at protecting and supporting children in vulnerable conditions.
Governor Namadi called on Nigerians to recognize and uphold the dignity of the elderly, describing them as “the pillars upon which our society was built.”
“Together, we will continue to make Jigawa a model for inclusive, people-centered governance in Nigeria,” he declared.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Gumel in a press statement said, with this development, Jigawa becomes one of the few states in the country to establish a comprehensive social protection framework covering citizens from birth to old age, a model experts say could guide national policy on social welfare and human development.