Sokoto: The Sokoto State Government, in partnership with UNICEF, on Monday distributed 332 suggestion boxes and established 166 help desks across the state. The initiative is designed to strengthen community participation and feedback in the delivery of healthcare and other essential services, ensuring citizens’ voices are heard in policy implementation.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Alhaji Bashiru Maigari, said that the items were provided in collaboration with UNICEF.
The items were presented by the Executive Secretary of the Sokoto Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA), Dr Bilyaminu Yari-Sifawa, and the State Ward Development Committee (WDC) Chairman, Dr Bala Gadanga.
Maigari said the items were designed to strengthen community participation, improve feedback mechanisms, and promote transparency and accountability in the delivery of programmes at the grassroots level.
He also said that each committee monitor was entitled to a N5,000 stipend for the initial period.
He commended UNICEF for the support and reiterated the ministry’s commitment towards enhancing communication strategies between the government and the people.
Also, Yari-Sifawa further said that the collated feedback would be used to address shortages and the need for manpower, and to regulate workers’ adverse behaviour, thereby enhancing healthcare services.
He commended UNICEF for the support and promised to ensure the effective implementation of the needed services and other necessary attention.
The WDC Chairman, who spoke on behalf of the benefiting communities, also promised to properly utilise the items and to mobilise the communities towards achieving success in the implementation of policies and services.