By Rabiu Sanusi
The Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi (HOD), has expressed profound appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for entrusting her with leadership responsibilities in several ministries, describing the confidence reposed in her as a source of motivation and dedication to public service.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, Hajiya Amina said the governor’s support and trust had enabled her to reposition the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs, strengthening its capacity to provide services to vulnerable members of society.
According to her, one of the major challenges she encountered upon assuming office was restructuring the ministry and restoring effective collaboration among staff members and development partners.
She explained that considerable progress has since been made in addressing issues affecting women and children, particularly cases of gender-based violence, abuse, rape and other forms of exploitation.
“We have taken decisive steps to ensure that victims receive the necessary support, while appropriate actions are taken against perpetrators. Protecting women and children remains one of our core priorities,” she said.
The commissioner further highlighted the ministry’s efforts to improve the welfare of persons with disabilities, noting that the administration of Governor Yusuf has consistently demonstrated compassion and inclusiveness through its policies and programmes.
She cited the governor’s special engagement with orphans and vulnerable children, including hosting them at special events, as evidence of his commitment to ensuring that every child feels valued and recognised as an important member of society.
According to her, the ministry currently oversees eight major centres dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of vulnerable groups, in addition to several smaller facilities that provide specialised support services.
Hajiya Amina also disclosed that Kano State has recorded significant progress in combating human trafficking through close collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
She attributed many cases of child trafficking and exploitation to parental negligence and urged parents to be more vigilant in monitoring the activities and welfare of their children.
The commissioner revealed that she had formally communicated concerns to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory regarding the transfer of vulnerable individuals to Kano, insisting that only persons genuinely identified as indigenes of the state should be repatriated.
While acknowledging the achievements recorded by the ministry, she noted that several challenges still require sustained government intervention, community support and collective efforts to overcome.
“We continue to do our best with the support of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose administration has shown genuine concern for the welfare of women, children and persons with disabilities,” she stated.
On staff welfare, Hajiya Amina emphasized that maintaining a cordial relationship with workers and prioritising their well-being has contributed significantly to the ministry’s productivity and effectiveness.
She also appealed to parents, particularly mothers, to devote more attention to child upbringing, moral guidance and prayers, stressing that strong family values remain essential to building a better society.
Reflecting on her service in government, the commissioner expressed gratitude for the public commendation she received from Governor Yusuf during a recent visit to an orphanage home, describing the recognition as one of the most rewarding moments of her career.
“The Governor’s words of appreciation meant a lot to me. Such recognition inspires us to remain dedicated to serving the people and fulfilling our responsibilities with sincerity and commitment,” she said.
