YOLA, Nigeria — The Adamawa State House of Assembly has inched closer to achieving one of its most people-focused policies yet — the Social Protection Bill, designed to strengthen welfare systems and improve the quality of life for vulnerable citizens across the state.
The momentum picked up today, October 15, 2025, as Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, delivered a keynote address at a well-attended public hearing held in Yola.
The event, organized by her Committee in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), brought together lawmakers, civil society groups, and development partners, all with one shared goal — to ensure that the proposed law is not just passed, but meaningfully implemented to benefit those who need it most.
The hearing was described as both interactive and enlightening, offering participants an open space to understand what the Bill entails, share constructive ideas, and collectively refine its provisions before it reaches the floor of the legislature for final consideration.
According to Hon. Mamuno, the Bill aims to lay a strong policy foundation for inclusive welfare and social development, especially for women, children, and persons living with disabilities in Adamawa State. She emphasized that such a law would protect citizens against poverty, economic shocks, and other forms of vulnerability, which remain common in post-conflict and low-income communities.
“We are working to ensure that this Bill reflects the realities of our people,” Hon. Mamuno said. “Social protection is not charity — it is a right. Every citizen deserves a fair chance at life, and that’s exactly what this Bill seeks to guarantee.”
In her remarks, Hon. Mamuno paid glowing tribute to the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, describing him as a visionary leader committed to inclusive governance. She acknowledged his numerous social protection initiatives already in place across the state — including youth empowerment programmes, women entrepreneurship support, free education at basic levels, and healthcare subsidies targeting the poor.
“Governor Fintiri has proven that governance can be both people-centered and gender-sensitive,” she added. “This Bill will build on those achievements and ensure continuity beyond any single administration.”
Her statement drew applause from attendees, including representatives from women’s organizations, development partners, and community-based associations who have long advocated for legal frameworks to back social protection policies in the state.
Also present were delegates from Borno State and other neighboring regions who came to observe and learn from Adamawa’s legislative process. Their participation underscored the growing regional cooperation among states in Northeast Nigeria, where shared challenges — such as displacement, poverty, and post-conflict rebuilding — have created a collective sense of purpose.
One of the GIZ representatives at the event, speaking off-camera, praised Adamawa’s progressiveness, noting that the partnership between lawmakers, government agencies, and international organizations “could serve as a model for other states seeking sustainable social protection frameworks.”
The public hearing was more than a formality; it served as a genuine dialogue between the government and the governed. Civil society participants used the opportunity to highlight issues such as transparency in fund allocation, inclusion of rural communities, and accountability in the distribution of social benefits.
Many also called for the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework within the Bill to track the effectiveness of interventions once implemented.
From the tone of the deliberations, it was evident that the Adamawa Assembly is determined to pass a Bill that truly mirrors the needs of its people. The Committee promised to integrate the recommendations shared during the hearing into the final draft before submitting it to the full House for debate and passage.
By the end of the session, optimism filled the air. Participants exchanged contacts, photographs, and shared handshakes that reflected a sense of progress and partnership.
For observers, the Yola hearing wasn’t just another policy event — it was a symbol of a new political will emerging in Adamawa State: one that seeks to put social justice and human dignity at the heart of governance.
As dusk settled over Yola, the words of Hon. Mamuno still echoed through the venue:
“A socially protected citizen is a productive citizen. With this Bill, we are building a safer, fairer, and stronger Adamawa for all.”
Editorial Note
This report was produced by the editorial team at The Gazette News | Latest News In Nigeria & the World in line with our commitment to accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism. Information in this article is based on verified sources available at the time of publication. The Gazette News | Latest News In Nigeria & the World may update the story as new facts emerge or additional context becomes available.
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