Thirty-nine children from Kaduna State, previously detained by the Federal Government, were reunited with their families on Wednesday in a symbolic gesture by the Kaduna State government.
During a brief ceremony at the “Children’s Homes” along Katuru Road in Kaduna, each child received ₦100,000 and an Itel A18s smartphone from the government. Governor Uba Sani assured the children of continued support to help them reintegrate into society, pledging to provide rehabilitation and empowerment programs aimed at guiding them towards becoming responsible and law-abiding citizens.
Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu Meyere, the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, represented the governor at the event. He noted that the governor had directed the collection of credentials from those who had completed tertiary education. “The Governor has promised start-up capital for those venturing into trade, skill acquisition programs for others, and job placements for some,” Meyere stated.
The government will closely monitor the children’s progress, offering these benefits based on their conduct. Contact information, including addresses, phone numbers, and next-of-kin details, was recorded to facilitate follow-up and provide ongoing support.
Upon release, each child underwent a medical examination and received psycho-social counseling, focusing on personal growth and community engagement. Additionally, religious leaders from both Islamic and Christian communities offered guidance, emphasizing the importance of faith and resilience against negative influences.
Meyere further explained that the children were provided with smartphones to replace those lost during detention and that “the Governor graciously granted each of them ₦100,000 as a gesture of goodwill.”
