By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, May 11, 2026 (Series News Online)-The Kebbi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Halima Hassan Kamba, has said the ministry has achieved notable progress in women empowerment and child protection since Governor Nasir Idris assumed office.
Kamba said the ministry had worked with NAPTIP to rescue and reunite over 45 trafficked children with their families, while 105 minors in conflict with the law had been rehabilitated and reintegrated after serving at the remand home.
Speaking on the ministry’s mandate, Kamba stated that it is tasked with formulating policies and implementing programmes designed to safeguard and uplift women and children across the state. “Our focus is on skills training, protection of children’s rights, advancing gender equality, and preventing child abuse, early marriage and domestic violence,” she said.
Kamba attributed the recorded gains to deliberate and well-structured interventions by the Kauran Gwandu administration. “These results did not happen by chance. They reflect the governor’s commitment to people-centred policies that directly improve the lives of women and children,” she said.
She explained that empowerment initiatives led by the governor’s wives have equipped women and youths with practical skills, fostering self-reliance and boosting household incomes at the community level.
According to the commissioner, the ministry has also supported older orphans leaving state care by providing them with business start-up kits and financial assistance. “We want them to transition into productive, independent members of society,” Kamba said.
She noted that welfare support for institutions under the ministry had been strengthened, with feeding and care funding rising by 200 percent.
On social support, Kamba said the government has continued its annual mass wedding programme for indigent couples. “We provide all necessary marriage and household items to remove financial barriers. This has helped uphold moral values, reduce social vices, and strengthen community bonds,” she said.
The commissioner further disclosed that the newly renovated Kauran Gwandu Children’s Home in Kawara is now operational, offering improved care for orphans and vulnerable children. She added that the remand home had been relocated, upgraded and fully furnished.
She also revealed that, in partnership with UNICEF, the ministry trained social and auxiliary social workers in three local government areas to enhance service delivery in child welfare, mental health and homelessness response.
Highlighting international engagement, Kamba said Kebbi had observed global commemorations such as the 16 Days of Activism, International Women’s Day, Hijab Day and Children’s Day. She noted that the state also sent delegates to the 24th National Council on Women Affairs meeting in Jos.
On economic empowerment, the commissioner said Kebbi was collaborating with the World Bank under the Nigeria for Women Project to reach 150,000 women through training, grants and community investment funds. “So far, five local governments are enrolled. Each is mobilizing 120 women affinity groups, with 120 women trained as facilitators and paid monthly allowances,” she said.
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