UNICEF, foundation laud treatment of 76 Kano teenagers

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Bafarawa Foundation have commended the efforts of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf for the rehabilitation and reuniting of the 76 teenagers, who were released from detention for protesting.

The two organisations made the commendation on Thursday during the official handing over of the children to their families two weeks after their medical evaluation and reformation at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialists Hospital, Kano.

In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, UNICEF, Chief of Field Office, Michael Banda applauded the commitment of the state government for prioritising the health and welfare of the teenagers.

Banda said the prompt action taken by Governor Yusuf when the children were brought before the court of law and care rendered at the facility affirm his child- centred policy.

Banda singled out the counselling sessions organised for the teenagers during their stay at the facility, in addition to successful contact tracing and verification of the families as exceptional service to humanity..

UNICEF posited that the organisation in collaboration with the state ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled Person would synergise to facilitate access to livelihood skills, training, formal education and justice services for the tenagers.

He however appealed for completion of Community Rehabilitation and Diversion Centres at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialists Hospital with a view to sustain a child-friendly government.

On his part, Representative of the Bafarawa Foundation, Alhaji Abdurrahman Baffa Yola expressed gratitude to the state government for its prompt rescue of the children during the unfortunate incident.

Yola assured the state government that the foundation would partner with relevant agencies to further support the children just as he announced the sum of N50,000 cash support to each of the teenagers to enable them solve some pressing issues.

On his part, Barr. Hamza Nuhu Dantani, one of the members of the legal team urged the parents to ensure proper monitoring of their children.

He said though peaceful protest is lawful in the constitution, it should be observed with consciousness.