Kehinde Fajobi
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Thursday reunited 76 minors arrested during the August #EndBadGovernance protests with their families.
The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Shehu Sagagi, handed over the children at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital, where they had been treated for ailments suffered during their remand.
Commending President Bola Tinubu for ordering their release, Yusuf urged parents to prioritise the education of their children to help them become productive members of society.
“I want to call on parents to complement the government’s efforts towards ensuring these children are properly educated to enable them to contribute towards the development of the state and the country,” he said.
“Both the Federal and state governments have to also wake up to ensure that our children are educated.”
Yusuf also warned parents against using any association to solicit financial assistance, adding that the government would not tolerate such actions.
He assured that the state Commissioner for Education would ensure the children received necessary support to return to school.
The Commissioner for Education, Haruna Doguwa, revealed plans to assist two of the minors with higher education and employment opportunities.
“We have provided (canvas) shoes, two sets of uniforms for the 50 others to be supported to complete their secondary school education,” Doguwa added.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Yusuf, noted that all the minors received medical care during their stay.
“The 76 minors who had been accommodated in this facility underwent a medical evaluation and received necessary treatment before being reunited with their families today,” he said.
Parents expressed gratitude to the government and others involved in securing the children’s release.
Former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, attended the event and donated ₦50,000 to each child to support their education.