The Kaduna State government has taken significant steps to support the recent release of 39 #EndBadGovernance protesters, providing them with resources aimed at reintegration into society. Each individual received N100,000 in cash, new smartphones, and other forms of assistance during a reunion ceremony held at the Children Homes along Kauru Road in Kaduna. Governor Uba Sani, who presided over the event, expressed his commitment to the welfare of the protesters and assured them that the government would aid their transition back into their communities, as long as they adhered to lawful behavior moving forward.
During the ceremony, the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Abdulkadir Meyere, conveyed the governor’s directive to collect the educational credentials of those among the released protesters who had completed their tertiary studies. Governor Sani intends to provide various support mechanisms, including start-up capital for those interested in entrepreneurship, vocational training for skill acquisition, and employment opportunities for those ready to join the workforce. However, Meyere emphasized that the government would closely monitor the activities of the released protesters to ensure their compliance with expected standards of behavior before extending further benefits to them.
To facilitate this monitoring process, the state government has collected important information from the released detainees, including their contact addresses, telephone numbers, and the names of their Next of Kins. This data is essential for tracking their activities and ensuring their adherence to the rehabilitation process. Furthermore, all released protesters underwent medical examinations and received psycho-social counseling focused on promoting positive change and responsible behavior, allowing them to reintegrate more successfully into society.
The support provided included spiritual guidance, with both Islamic and Christian leaders addressing the demonstrators, urging them to uphold the tenets of their respective faiths and to avoid negative influences that could hinder their progress. Meyere reiterated the importance of these teachings and the need for the released individuals to capitalize on the support provided in order to create a better future for themselves and their communities.
The state Commissioner for Human Service and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, also emphasized the government’s commitment to the well-being of the protesters. She encouraged the released individuals, including two minors aged 16 and 17, to become ambassadors for peace, advising them to spread messages of nonviolence and peace among their peers. Salisu highlighted the importance of family and community during this reintegration phase and expressed the government’s desire to train these individuals further to promote positive societal interactions.
Overall, the Kaduna State government is fostering a supportive environment for the released #EndBadGovernance protesters, integrating various forms of assistance to guide their transition back into society. Through financial aid, personal development programs, and a strong emphasis on ethical conduct, the government aims to ensure that these individuals do not return to unlawful activities, thus cultivating a more harmonious and productive community.
