By Rabiu Sanusi
The Kano State Government has significantly expanded its social protection and welfare services for vulnerable groups, with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs recording notable improvements in care, rehabilitation, and protection programmes across the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, disclosed this during an interview while highlighting the achievements of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in strengthening support systems for women, children, orphans, and persons living with disabilities.
According to the commissioner, the ministry currently manages eight specialised centres dedicated to the care, protection, and rehabilitation of vulnerable individuals.
The centres provide essential services, including shelter, counselling, education, healthcare support, and social welfare assistance.
She noted that the facilities have become critical safety nets for hundreds of beneficiaries facing economic hardship, social exclusion, abuse, and other social challenges.
“We have focused on building systems that protect vulnerable citizens and provide them with opportunities to rebuild their lives.
“Today, our interventions are reaching more people because the government has prioritised social welfare, inclusion, and human development,” she said.
Hajiya Amina explained that the ministry has intensified campaigns against gender-based violence, child abuse, and exploitation through strategic partnerships with development partners, security agencies, and civil society organisations.
She stated that these collaborations have strengthened the state’s capacity to respond promptly to cases of abuse while ensuring that victims receive the necessary support, protection, and rehabilitation services.
The commissioner further revealed that Kano State has made significant progress in combating human trafficking through sustained cooperation with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
According to her, increased public awareness, improved reporting mechanisms, and stronger institutional collaboration have contributed to a reduction in trafficking-related cases across the state.
She, however, stressed the need for parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain vigilant and actively participate in protecting children and other vulnerable persons from exploitation and social risks.
Reflecting on developments within the ministry over the past three years, Hajiya Amina said the ministry has undergone significant reforms aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening its capacity to address emerging social challenges.
She attributed the achievements to the support and commitment of Governor Yusuf’s administration, which she said has provided the enabling environment, policy direction, and resources required to implement impactful, people-centred programmes.
The commissioner maintained that investing in vulnerable populations remains essential for sustainable development, noting that the government is committed to ensuring that no segment of society is left behind.
She called on residents to support social protection initiatives and cooperate with relevant authorities in safeguarding the rights, welfare, and dignity of women, children, and persons with special needs.
Hajiya Amina added that sustained collaboration among government institutions, communities, development partners, and other stakeholders would further strengthen Kano State’s social welfare system and improve outcomes for vulnerable citizens across the state.
