Kano state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has launched a special empowerment programme for 520 orphans from across the 44 local government areas of the state.
Under the programme, 20 orphans each from the eight metropolitan local governments were given N20, 000 cash, while 10 orphans each were from the remaining 36 local government areas were given the same amount.
Addressing the beneficiaries at a function which coincided with the 2016 International Children’s Day, the governor said his administration is committed to promoting the welfare of less privileged children.
Governor Ganduje stated that the state fostering law was amended to facilitate improvement of the lives and security of adopted orphans stressing that taking care of orphans is not only a social obligation but also a religious duty.
“Like every other child, they have a right to decent living and education so that they can contribute meaningfully to nation building”, the governor stated, adding that children are the greatest assets of nation building.
He, therefore, appealed to wealthy people in the society to support the education of orphans as well as to encourage them to be creative so that they can eventually become active contributors to the national economy.
The governor called on foster parents and guardians to treat the orphans under their care properly and to make sure that the children acquired sound moral values that would transform them into responsible citizens.
Governor Ganduje also used the occasion to flag-off the “Buy made in Kano Products” campaign and the launch of Kano Sate Commerce Week, anchored by the state Ministry of Commerce.