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The Kano State Government has launched a one-year programme to detoxify, rehabilitate and reintegrate 10,000 drug offenders in the state.
Speaking at a press conference at the weekend, Chairman of the Kano State Multi-Agency Taskforce on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Muhyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, said the initiative is designed to curb drug abuse, drug trafficking and gun violence, while also boosting the state’s economic potential.
He reasoned that without productive opportunities after serving their various sentences, many offenders risk returning to drug-related crimes.
According to Rimin-Gado, participants will first undergo training to renounce drug abuse and trafficking, followed by detoxification. They will then be trained in various trades and crafts aimed at making them self-reliant.
“The current phase of the programme covers garment making, leatherwork, brickmaking and electrical repairs,” he said, but added that “Over time, we will expand the scope to include GSM repairs and other vocational skills.”
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“Our ambition is that within one year, these 10,000 youths will acquire one or two skills that will keep them busy, provide them with income, and make them productive members of society,” he added.
Rimin-Gado explained that the rehabilitated offenders will not receive direct cash grants or equipment, adding that instead, the state government will support them to form clusters in their respective areas of training.
“We are going to secure a location within their vicinity and provide the necessary equipment and capital. Those in the same cluster will be encouraged to register their business with the Corporate Affairs Commission,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that, given the size of Kano’s market, the registered businesses could grow into viable business ventures capable of sustaining the rehabilitated offenders.
