Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has tasked the 76 youths accused of allegedly participating in the looting of properties during the last End Bad Governance protest, who have now been reformed and rehabilitated by the Kano State Government, to be good ambassadors and always respect the rule of law.
The governor assured that the government would sponsor the education of all the reformed minors. He also stated that those among them who have completed their NCE education would be offered employment during the next recruitment exercise.
He made this statement on Thursday during the handing over of 71 minors to their parents at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital in Kano.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Yusuf at the occasion, the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Wasa Sagagi, urged the minors to remain law-abiding and shun all acts of unlawful protest in the future.
Governor Yusuf also called on parents to take proper care of their children and do all that is necessary to guide them on the right path, saying, “This will prevent them from going astray.”
He emphasised the need for the reformed minors to become vanguard representatives, spreading messages of peace among other children in the society.
According to him, “The state government is placing much priority on education, citing the allocation of over 30% of the proposed 2025 budget to the education sector as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to uplifting the standard of living of the general populace.”
The governor directed the Ministry of Education to ensure adequate follow-up on the reformed minors to achieve effective service delivery.
Alhaji Haruna Umar Doguwa stated that the ministry has documented statistics on those among the reformed minors currently in secondary school and will ensure they are returned to school with proper follow-up to achieve the set objectives.
Speaking on behalf of the parents of the reformed minors, Malam Nura Muhammad commended the Kano State Government for its support and dedication to the rehabilitation of the children.
He stated, “We, the parents, will never forget the immense contributions of the state government in ensuring the protection and rehabilitation of our children.”
Malam Muhammad further emphasised, “On our part, we will always ensure that these children behave responsibly and contribute positively to the development of the country.”
Earlier, the Chief of Field Office for UNICEF, Mr. Michael Banda, described the release and reunification of the 76 children and young people from post-detention interim care as a significant development.
He commended the Kano State Government for its remarkable leadership in prioritising the rights and welfare of these children.
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