The executive governor of Kano state Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has inaugurated a 21-member Kano State Peace and Youth Rehabilitation Committee to tackle crime and promote socioeconomic stability in the state.
Speaking during the inauguration at the government house, Yusuf tasked the committee with collaborating with security agencies to combat the rising menace of phone snatching, gang violence, and substance abuse, which threaten public safety.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf expressed concern over the high rate of criminal activities when his administration took office.
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He noted that while the situation was significantly reduced within the first month of his tenure, the menace has recently resurfaced.
The governor charged the committee to develop strategic programs aimed at rehabilitating at-risk youth through counseling, skills training, job creation, and reintegration into society.
He also urged them to partner with organizations and philanthropists to enhance these efforts.
The committee is tasked with organizing mediation forums and awareness campaigns on the dangers of crime, drug abuse, and social unrest, identifying measures to support peace restoration and youth rehabilitation, conducting research on youth restiveness and designing intervention strategies based on evaluations, and collaborating with media organizations to ensure adequate public awareness and advocacy for the committee’s initiatives.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged that tackling drug barons and political thuggery is a challenging task that requires courage and commitment.
Earlier, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo briefed the governor on the successes and challenges faced by a previously constituted committee, which he chaired and whose tenure ended yesterday.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the newly inaugurated committee, Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata, thanked the governor for the opportunity and assured him of the committee’s commitment to achieving its objectives.
Other members of the committee include Muhammad Inuwa Idris, Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services; Ibrahim Abdullahi Wayya, Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs; Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai, Special Adviser, Policy and Social Development; AVM Ibrahim Umar (Rtd.), Director General, Special Services, Kano; Amb. Shehu Rabiu, Commander General, Vigilante Groups; Muhammad Sunusi Balarabe and Mamuda Ali Yakasai, Leaders of Vigilante Groups; and Faisal Mahmud Kabir, Managing Director, KAROTA.
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The committee secretaries are Dan Asabe Yahya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services (Secretary I); Abba Adamu Danguguwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Secretary II); and Yusuf Dahiru, Director of Operations, Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services (Secretary III).
Other members representing various institutions include the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders (Ulama), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Judiciary, the Nigeria Correctional Service, and the Nigerian Immigration Service.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver results and called for dedication and teamwork in fulfilling its mandate.