By Usman Usman Garba
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Bafarawa Foundation have commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his swift response to the plight of 76 teenagers in Kano.
The Governor’s administration successfully rehabilitated and reunited the teenagers with their families following a medical evaluation and reformation process at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialists Hospital.
During the official handover ceremony, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Mr. Michael Banda, praised the state government’s commitment to prioritizing the health and welfare of children.
He noted that Governor Yusuf’s prompt action, including the court proceedings and subsequent care provided at the hospital, demonstrates a strong child-centered approach.
Banda highlighted the importance of the counseling sessions organized for the teenagers, as well as the successful efforts to trace and verify their families.
He emphasized that UNICEF, in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Disabled Persons, will work to provide the teenagers with access to livelihood skills, education, and justice services.
Mr. Banda also appealed for the completion of the Community Rehabilitation and Diversion Centers at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialists Hospital to ensure continued child-friendly government initiatives.
Alhaji Abdurrahman Baffa Yola, representing the Bafarawa Foundation, expressed gratitude to the state government for the timely rescue of the children.
He assured the government of the foundation’s support in assisting the released teenagers and announced a cash donation of N50,000 to each teenager.
Barr. Hamza Nuhu Dantani, a member of the legal team involved in the case, urged parents to closely monitor their children.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful protest, he emphasized the importance of exercising this right responsibly and consciously.
