The Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has distributed food items and cows to 13 rehabilitation centres for persons with mental health challenges to enable them to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk-Ibrahim, during the distribution said the intervention was to ensure that inmates in rehabilitation centres celebrate the Sallah festival with dignity, joy and a sense of belonging.
Farouk-Ibrahim, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs (REPA), Alhaji Umar Muhammad-Jalo, described the exercise as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to inclusivity and compassion.
He said the items distributed included rice, vegetable oil, cows and some cash to purchase firewood and other soup ingredients.
“This is not just about the items provided, but a solemn gesture that reflects the administration’s core values of empathy and inclusiveness,” he said.
Farouk-Ibrahim reaffirmed the commitment of the state government led by Gov. Abba Yusuf to supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening social welfare interventions.
He commended SEMA for their tireless work in managing emergencies and social welfare interventions across the state.
He urged managers of the beneficiary centres to ensure judicious use of the items for the benefit of inmates.
The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Alhaji Isyaku Abdullahi-Kubarachi, said the initiative was part of efforts by the state government to support persons with mental health challenges in rehabilitation facilities.
He noted that rehabilitation centres were not only for recovery but also for restoring dignity, rebuilding lives and giving hope for a better future.
According to him, the 13 rehabilitation centres for mentally challenged persons include Dawakin Kudu, Gaya, Dorayi, two in Bichi, Danbatta, Minjibir, Wudil, Sumaila, Tudun Wada, Rano, Karaye and Shahuci.
“The centres under SEMA are designed to provide clinical services, psychological support and skill acquisition training for the disabled,” he said.
Abdullahi-Kubarachi commended the governor for his sustained support to humanitarian activities in the state.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hajiya Amina Yusuf-Yargaya, expressed appreciation to the state government for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable persons.
She said the gesture would improve the well-being and morale of inmates in the centres.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe, represented by Hajiya Zara Mansur, lauded SEMA and stakeholders for ensuring the success of the exercise.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and improving service delivery in humanitarian response.
Earlier, the Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Kano Office, Dr Nura Abdullahi, described the intervention as timely and impactful.
He commended the state government for prioritising the needs of vulnerable groups, while calling for proper utilisation of the items.
Malam Nura Malami, who spoke on behalf of the centres appreciated the gesture and pledged that the items would be used judiciously for the benefit of inmates.
NAN
