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Jigawa Assembly Tackles Out-of-School Crisis Affecting 800,000 Children

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By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Concerned by the alarming number of out-of-school children in Jigawa State, estimated at around 800,000, the Jigawa State House of Assembly has committed to ensuring stricter enforcement of laws that promote children’s enrollment and retention in schools.
The Assembly aims to reduce this figure significantly, ensuring that every child enjoys his or her right to education.

Speaking at the distribution of school uniforms and materials to orphans, people living with disabilities (PWDs), and underprivileged children in Garin Barka Village, Gumel Local Government Area, Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Sani Isyaku Gumel, underscored the urgency of addressing the issue.
He highlighted that the Assembly is taking proactive measures to reduce the number of out-of-school children, aiming to bring it down to a minimal level.

“To achieve this, the State Assembly will provide more support to the executive arm in delivering quality education. This includes ensuring the availability of teaching and learning materials, a conducive learning environment, and adequate security for schools,” Gumel stated.

Gumel further revealed that the Assembly had reached an agreement with UNICEF to reduce the number of out-of-school children by 42% by the end of 2024, with a goal to bring the figure down to 95% by 2030.
The partnership was solidified in a meeting held in Kaduna, where UNICEF informed the lawmakers that Jigawa ranks eighth in Nigeria in terms of out-of-school children, with over 700,000 affected.

The Deputy Speaker also shared his personal efforts in his constituency, noting that there are fewer than 3,000 out-of-school children in his area. “I have facilitated the return of 1,800 children to school in the past and today, we are continuing the support by distributing school materials to those who have returned or are newly enrolled,” he said.

Gumel emphasized that empowering families economically is another strategy to ensure children remain in school.
He has launched empowerment programs in his constituency, offering grants and resources to families, especially those who enroll and keep their children in school.

UNICEF’s Education Manager, Kano field office, Mr. Micheal Banda, praised the commitment of the lawmakers in addressing the crisis. He acknowledged the challenges but expressed optimism that the state’s leadership, along with community support, would bring about significant change.

Banda emphasized that UNICEF, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aims to ensure access to quality education for all children. The organization is providing technical and logistical support to the Jigawa State House of Assembly to meet the target of reducing out-of-school children by 90-95% by 2030.

To succeed in this effort, UNICEF has called for extensive media campaigns, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and increased funding. Banda remains hopeful that with the continued commitment of the government and support from parents and communities, the goal is within reach.

In a related effort, Hon. Abubakar Saddiq Jallo, representing Hadejia constituency, organized a town hall meeting with education stakeholders to address the out-of-school crisis in his area.
He called on all stakeholders to join forces in ensuring children return to school, emphasizing the need for collective action to achieve lasting solutions.

Jallo, like his colleague, expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its ongoing support in addressing educational challenges and called on other partners to follow UNICEF’s example. During the event, 2,000 children received school uniforms, books, sandals, and bags as part of efforts to encourage school attendance.

The combined efforts of lawmakers, international partners, and communities signal a renewed commitment to addressing the out-of-school crisis in Jigawa, with the ultimate goal of providing every child with access to basic education.

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News from Jigawa

Jigawa Children Urge State Assembly to Improve Education, Child Rights Protections

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By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

On the occasion of World Children’s Day (WCD) 2024, children from Jigawa State have called on the state’s House of Assembly to enact laws that will enhance education and protect their rights. This appeal was made during a special session held in the state’s legislative chamber, which was presided over by Jamila Aliyu Abdulkadir, the Speaker of the Jigawa State Children’s Parliament.

Abdulkadir emphasized that access to basic education, healthcare, and other essential rights are the foundation for a child’s future. She urged the state’s lawmakers to pay attention to the needs of children and address the key issues that affect their growth and well-being, as these are crucial for building a better future for the next generation.

“Access to education, health, and protection of rights is key to a brighter future for any child,” Abdulkadir stated, appealing to both the legislative and executive arms of government to prioritize these fundamental areas.

In conjunction with the celebrations, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria congratulated Nigerian children on their special day, encouraging them to stay committed to their studies and avoid negative behaviors, as they represent the future leaders of the nation.

World Children’s Day is observed annually on November 20th to mark the United Nations’ adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989. The 2024 theme, “Listening to the Future,” highlights the importance of listening to children’s voices and ensuring they have a role in shaping decisions that impact their lives.

Since 2017, World Children’s Day has served as a key platform for raising awareness on global issues affecting children, including education, health, and protection from abuse. This year, children’s participation remained central to the celebrations, underscoring their importance in advocating for the change they wish to see.

In Jigawa, the children took the opportunity to engage directly with the state lawmakers, advocating for stronger laws that support education and safeguard their rights. Their active involvement in the state’s legislative process reflects a growing movement to ensure that children’s voices are heard and their needs addressed at the highest levels of government.

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Court Clears Jigawa Commissioner of Adultery Charges

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By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

An Upper Sharia Court in Kano has acquitted Hon. Auwalu Dalladi Sankara, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, of charges of adultery brought against him.

The presiding judge, Khadi Ibrahim Sarki Yola, dismissed the case, citing a lack of substantial evidence from the complainant, Nasiru Buba Jalam, who had accused the commissioner of having an illicit affair with his wife, Taslim Baba Nabegu.

“This case lacks merit and any credible evidence to proceed. Therefore, the case is hereby struck out, and both defendants are discharged,” the judge ruled.
The case had stemmed from a complaint filed by Nasiru Buba Jalam in October, in which he accused his wife and Hon. Sankara of engaging in an affair. Following the accusation, the Kano Hisbah apprehended the commissioner at his home.
The court had earlier instructed the Inspector General of Police to investigate the matter and submit a report for review.
After the judgment, Barrister Rabiu Shuaibu Abdullahi, representing the first defendant, Taslim Baba Nabegu, expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, stating that the judgment reflected justice.
Barrister Saddam Suleiman Shehu, representing Hon. Sankara, also welcomed the outcome, affirming that the court’s decision vindicated his client. He added, “We are reviewing the judgment, along with the possible political factors involved, for further steps.”

Hon. Sankara, who was suspended from his position as Commissioner to allow the court process to unfold without interference, was cleared of all allegations by the court.

The case, which attracted significant attention in the state, now appears to be over, though its political undertones remain a point of discussion.

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WAYFARC Empowers 450 Women, Youth on Agribusiness to Combat Poverty

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By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Women and Youth Farmers Agripreneur Regional Conference (WAYFARC) has conducted a two-day sensitization workshop for 450 women and youth in the Northwest to promote agribusiness and reduce poverty.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the President of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), Arc Kabir Ibrahim, represented by the Coordinator of WAYFARC and NABG Secretary General, Mrs. Olubukola Nwaneri, stated that the workshop aimed to empower participants by showcasing the vast opportunities in agriculture as a business.

Mrs. Nwaneri emphasized that agriculture should not be seen as mere farming but as a lucrative enterprise. “Agriculture should evolve beyond subsistence farming. When you recognize agriculture as a business, it inspires greater seriousness and commitment. We want to help women and youth see the future and potential in agribusiness,” she explained.
Mrs. Nwaneri highlighted that participants do not necessarily have to be farmers to succeed in agribusiness.
“Opportunities abound in areas such as processing, marketing, offtaking, essential services, and other value chains within the agricultural sector.

“Our goal is to support and educate women and youth on accessing government and non-governmental loans, grants, and other interventions. We also focus on creating awareness, coordination, and linking farmers with value chains including producers, markets, processors, and offtakers,” she noted.

The program, she added, also facilitates partnerships, follows up on government policies, and bridges gaps when policies are made without input from agricultural stakeholders.
According to her, Jigawa State was chosen to host the Northwest regional workshop due to its significant agricultural potential and the state government’s demonstrated commitment to developing the sector.
Mrs. Nwaneri said this made Jigawa an ideal location to encourage and support women and youth to explore agribusiness opportunities.
Participants were advised to open their minds and absorb the knowledge and skills provided during the program.
“The purpose of WAYFARC is to enrich your understanding and prepare you to thrive in agribusiness,” Mrs. Nwaneri said.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of collaboration and capacity-building in driving economic growth through agriculture, particularly for women and youth who remain critical to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

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