Emmanuel Daudu
The Federal Government has announced a partnership with the Kaduna State Government to provide skill acquisition and reintegration programs for minors recently pardoned under the EndBadGovernance initiative.
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, disclosed this during a follow-up visit to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State.
The visit aimed to assess the current status of the freed minors and discuss strategies for their rehabilitation.
Professor Yilwatda emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the children not only regain their freedom but also have access to vocational training and starter packs to help them build a sustainable future.
“We are not just handing them their freedom; we are giving them a chance to build their future where their potentials are fully realized,” the Minister stated, assuring that none of the beneficiaries would leave the program with regrets.
He commended Governor Sani for his leadership in ensuring the children are reunited with their families while also receiving education, counseling, and vocational skills.
He also lauded the Kaduna State Government’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of security, education, inclusivity, and empowerment.
Additionally, the Minister expressed gratitude to UNICEF and development partners for their support in providing psychosocial care, vocational training, and education for the minors.
During the meeting, Governor Uba Sani acknowledged the progress made since Professor Yilwatda assumed office, particularly in addressing humanitarian challenges.
He revealed that the minors received by Kaduna State in 2024 had undergone psychosocial therapy under the supervision of Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, a medical doctor.
Governor Sani further stated that the children are being supported in schools and businesses, with skill acquisition programs facilitated at three major centers in the state.
He affirmed Kaduna State’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry to provide skills for the youth and expand financial inclusion for vulnerable persons in rural areas.
He disclosed that the state has already opened accounts for 2.2 million vulnerable individuals and aims to reach 3.5 million under the social register initiative.
It will be recalled that the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, officially handed over the freed minors and youths to their respective state governments in December 2024 in Abuja.
The meeting, held at Sir Kashim House, Kaduna, was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu Mayere, Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Dr. Yetunde Adeniyi, directors from the Ministry, aides to the Minister, and members of the Kaduna State Executive Council.
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