From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano state Council, has decried the re-emergence of Almajarai in the streets of the ancient commercial city, despite laudable programmes put in place by state government to take them off the streets and give them opportunities for sound education and good standard of living.
In a Communique signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Council, Abbas Ibrahim and Abba Murtala, after Congress, Kano NUJ condemned the continued menace of Almajarai on Kano streets, calling on the state government to, “match its words with action.”
The AUTHORITY reports that the state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje recently launched a series of programmes geared towards transformation and reformation of the Almajiri system in Kano, particularly, its inclusion in the Free, Compulsory Basic and Secondary Education policy, which ensures that every school-age child in the state has access to free education.
“The body raised alarm on the unending issue of Almajiri confronting the state, asking the state government to match its words with actions,” the Communique stated.
The Union also bemoaned the resurfacing of the activities of street urchins, “who now pose a severe danger to the lives and property of residents, calling on the state to re-strategize the functional capacity of vigilantes and overall community policing strategy across the state.”
The Congress also drew the attention of the state government to the alarming rate of rape and other related offences and called for stiffer penalties for rapists.
The Congress also urged the state government to make availalble to farmers adequate farming input such as fertilizers, seedlings at subsidized rate for bumper harvest.
The Congress called on farmers in the state to access the agro intervention programmes by both the state and Federal Governments, calling on the media to sensitize the Kano populace on how to register to benefit from the ongoing interventions.
The Congress stated that it is imperative for Kano state government to adopt proactive measures to confront the foreseen threat posed by flooding to ensure food security, security of lives and property.
Kano NUJ also lamented shortage of water supply in the state, calling on the state government to take adequate measures towards ensuring availability of water, particularly, within Kano mettopolis.
The Congress also implored the state government and relevant security organs operating in the state to squarely confront the menace of reckless driving and overloading of commercial transports, which pose danger to the lives of travellers and residents in the state.
The Congress, however, tasked the newly inaugurated Chapel of Rahama Radio and Television to adhere to the ethics and constitutional provisions in the affairs of the noble profession.
Kano NUJ also congratulated its member, Lurwanu Idris on his emergence as the Village Head of MalikawaGaru Village in Bichi Local Government Area.
The Congress also congratulated the people of Kano over the Continental Ticket given to the state football club, Kano Pillars, for the team to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation cup.
The Congress, however, appealed to the state government to ensure early release of funds to the club to enable it put up proud representation of Nigeria in the Continental tournament.
Meanwhile, Comrade Sanusi Abdullahi KofarNa’isa emerged the Vice Chairman of Kano NUJ Council in a peaceful and consensus bye-election that took place at the Press Centre, shortly before the Congress.
