Writing By Khadijah Aliyu ; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Kano Patriotic Front (KPF), under its Reconciliation and Empowerment Forum, has successfully reformed and reintegrated more than sixty repentant thugs across Kano metropolis into productive ventures.
Speaking during an empowerment program in Kano, the Chairman of the group, Major General Sani Ibrahim (Rtd.), who also doubles as the founder of the Asiya Ibrahim Sani Emancipation Foundation, said the initiative was designed to harness the potentials of youths for socio-economic growth and positive community development.
According to him, the program has already transformed several youths from Zage, Zango, and Kofar Mata, who underwent intensive training in welding and fabrication.
“The pushing trucks you are seeing today were constructed by them. We have signed an MoU with Singa Market, where they will use the trucks to carry loads as a means of livelihood. Others are now engaged in agriculture and transportation work at Rimi Market,” he explained.
Major General Ibrahim rtd. emphasized that the initiative would go a long way in curbing thuggery, drug abuse, and other societal vices while fostering peace and reconciliation among rival youth groups.
In his remarks, the Kano State Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Service Air Vice Marshall Ibrahim Umaru (rtd) represented by retired DSP Adamu Muhammad, described drug abuse as a major catalyst for thuggery and other criminal activities.
He stressed that the program aligns with the vision of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, which seeks to build a peaceful and prosperous Kano.
“The government will not relent in its efforts to improve the lives of citizens through policies and programs that uplift the state to global standards,” he assured.
The Chairman of Singa Market, Alhaji Ibrahim Nabanki Dangaske, commended the empowerment project, describing it as timely and impactful in reducing drug abuse, neighborhood rivalry, and political thuggery.
He also pledged the market’s full support in ensuring the sustainability of the initiative.
“These youths have been trained, equipped with pushing trucks, and given the opportunity to be self-reliant. I urge other philanthropists to emulate this noble gesture,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Rabilu Muhammad (Kofar Mata) and Salim Ali (Zango), said thuggery in their communities was often linked to poverty and theft.
They expressed gratitude for the opportunity and called on their peers to remain committed to the training in order to achieve lasting change.
COV/Khadijah Aliyu
