Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, March 1, 2026(Series News Online)
Kebbi State Government has taken a significant step towards promoting self-sufficiency among vulnerable children, as it commissions the renovated Kauran Gwandu Children's Home and empowers 12 orphans with economic opportunities. The ceremony was graced by the First Lady, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, who urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the support.
"We gathered here to witness the commissioning and empowering of 12 children who are graduating from the children's home because they have attained the age of 18 and have completed acquiring skills acquisition at the centre on different skills so that they can become self-reliant," the First Lady said.
She revealed that the centre was built 16 years ago but had not received the necessary attention to equip it to national standards until the administration of Governor Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu. "This centre was constructed 16 years ago, but it couldn't get the needed attention of equipping it to the national standard until now when my husband, Governor Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu, came to power," she said.
The First Lady added, "Government of Kauran Gwandu have done what it supposed to have done for you to be on your own. I pledge to pay dowry for any of you who utilizes his support given to him when he chooses a wife to marry, but ensure you use the support wisely and don't squander it."
The empowerment package includes 10 brand new motorcycles for commercial purposes, two tricycles, and cash donations to start businesses aligned with their acquired skills.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Halima Hassan Kamba, expressed delight at the initiative, saying, "I am happy that this children's home is giving a helping hand to the socially challenged children, providing better facilities and amenities with care and kindness to make them enlightened citizens."
The commissioning also marked the relocation of the orphanage home from its temporary location to its permanent site. Religious leaders, including Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Arc. Muhammad Sani Aliyu, Sheikh Imran Bin Usman, and Sheikh Hussaini Abubakar Giro, emphasized the importance of supporting orphans, citing Quranic verses and Hadiths.
Other speakers at the event included Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Muhammad Maikurata, and District Head of Gwadangaji, Alhaji Umar Ahmed Gwadangaji.
The event was attended by wives of local government chairmen, commissioners, permanent secretaries, and state assembly members, among others.
END.
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Empowerment