A Saudi-based humanitarian organisation, Albidairi Foundation, has commissioned a 700-capacity orphanage home and a 5,000-capacity mosque in Kano State.

The facility, named Albidairi Orphanage Home, was inaugurated on Saturday at Langel in Tofa Local Government Area of the state to support vulnerable children and tackle the menace of out-of-school children.

Speaking at the event, the Director of the home, Sheikh Adam Yushau Adam, said the orphanage was founded by Abu-Abdurrahman Al-Bidairi, under the Albidairi Foundation which is registered in Nigeria and engaged in humanitarian activities.

He explained that the home is designed to accommodate 14 children per room, each with a toilet, nanny, and teachers who will provide both Islamic and Western education.

“The children will memorise the Qur’an here, and there is also provision for sports activities. The place is powered 24/7 by solar energy and equipped with adequate security,” he said.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner of Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, described the intervention as timely.

He noted that Kano has the highest rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria, worsened by insecurity in neighbouring states which has led to an influx of widows and orphans.

“Establishments like this will help address part of these challenges and reduce social vices,” he said.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and the Disabled, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, said the orphanage would ease the burden on government.

She stressed that the state has intensified efforts to certify and accredit legal orphanages while cracking down on illegal ones.

Dr Nura Abdullahi, Director of Alkahirat Islamic Trust, highlighted the spiritual significance of caring for orphans in Islam.

“Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was an orphan. He said whosoever takes care of an orphan, paradise is compulsory for him. The proprietor of this foundation has never been to Nigeria, yet his helping hand has reached us,” he said.