From KABIR Dankatsina
A Non-governmental Organisation, Kebbi Civil Society Forum (KECSOF) has organised a one-day community brainstorming dialogue on social challenges militating against the future development/building of Almajiris -the potential mechanisms to curb the ugly trends.
The forum which consists all Imams, Islamic scholars, traditional leaders and other stakeholders was held at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi.
Speaking at the forum, President of Kebbi State Civil Society Forum (KECSOF), Ambassador Muh’d Bello Idris lamented that the rate of movement of Almajiris from one place to another and from a village to the urban especially in northern Nigeria is unbecoming.
According to him, a survey conducted by the United Nations has shown that about 5754 Almajiris below the age of twelve were recorded roaming the streets seeking for alms in the North West zone of the country.
” Sometimes you can find them in bad environment such as play-ponits, cinemas, brothels and other dangerous places where they can be kidnapped or killed by notorious gangs. ” Amb Idris said.
So we gather here today in order to brainstorm on how best we minimise or even stop this menace of sending boys or girls especially underaged to far way places in the name of Almajiris in Kebbi and other States in the North West zone ” he added.
Ambassador Idris also stated that the forum is ready to collaborate with the present administration of Governor, Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu to even sponsor a bill that will stop such an ugly trends.
He thanked the wife of the governor, Hajiya Nasare Nasir Idris for her commitment and support to the forum which he noted without her contribution some activities of the forum will not be actualized .
Wife of the governor, Hajiya Nasare Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu represented by the former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic Education, Rufa’atu Hammani commended the forum for organising such meaningful events which according to her has come at the right time.
Her Excellency, Nasare Nasir Idris however assured the forum that she will use her opportunity to convince her husband, the governor to enact a law that will stop the rampant of migration of boys and girls in the name of Almajiris across the state and other neighbouring states.
She urged the leadership of KECSOF to compile all what was discussed and submit copy to her office for necessary action on the next line action.
