Mufarka Youth Initiative, TEF Hosts Iftar Focused on Security Discussions

By Mustapha Salisu

In the spirit of Ramadan, the Mufarka Youth Development Initiative partnered with the Ta’alim Educational Foundation to host a special Iftar event on Saturday. This unique gathering wasn’t just about breaking the fast; it focused on crucial security issues affecting Kano communities.

Held at the Zaitun Humanitarian Foundation’s office, the event brought together community leaders, law enforcement officials, security experts, and concerned citizens. The atmosphere buzzed with open and constructive dialogue about keeping communities safe, especially during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations and Kano’s famed Durbar festival.

Mufarka Youth Development Initiative’s Executive Director, Barr. Nura Ahmad Muhammad, delivered the welcome address. He emphasized the importance of stakeholders coming together, particularly “in light of the current challenges facing communities.” This collaboration, he stressed, was essential for ensuring everyone’s safety and well-being during this sacred time.

The urgency for dialogue was further highlighted by CSC Kabiru Garba Fagge, the NSCDC Division Officer for Kano. He urged parents, society, schools, and leaders to play a vital role in shaping young minds. Equipping them with good character, education, and empowerment is key to preventing them from falling prey to criminal activity.

The Ward Head of Kofar Nasarawa proposed specific strategies to the Chairman of Nasarawa LGA. He suggested reviving a former initiative by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, which involved validating the residency of tricycle riders within the Kano Municipal Council (KMC). Additionally, he shared his own approach of collecting data on Almajiri teachers and student numbers within KMC to better manage this population.

Kwali Police Division’s DPO, S.P Muhammad Auwal Abubakar, stressed that “security measures” are a collective responsibility, not solely a police burden. He emphasized security as a “discipline” requiring active participation from community members to combat crime. He urged residents to report suspicious activities and avoid resorting to jungle justice.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Policing, Barr. Maimuna Umar Shariff, announced the establishment of the Kano Security Trust Fund. This initiative aims to provide resources for state security agencies to function more effectively. She also appealed to women to actively participate in raising responsible children while their husbands work.

Regarding repentant thugs, Barr. Shariff advocated for using the term “reformed” to avoid stigmatization. She added that these individuals have pledged to assist the state government in identifying potential troublemakers during the Sallah festivities. Governor Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf has reportedly promised to empower them further.

Imam of Alhamsad Mosque, Malam Nasir Abdallah Kofar Nasarawa, applauded the security committee’s efforts, highlighting the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings prioritizing the sanctity of life.

The head of the Zaitun Humanitarian Foundation, Malam Sani highlighted their organization’s success in training and graduating over 3,000 youths in various empowering fields like tailoring and phone repair. This initiative aims to reduce youth crime by providing alternative income opportunities. He urged communities to support these young people financially and with tools to ensure their skills are sustainable.

The Chairman of Kano Municipal LGA, Hon. Bashir Baba Cilla, emphasized the need for community-wide cooperation to combat thuggery, particularly during festive periods. He assured residents of the state government’s support for initiatives aimed at curbing this issue.

He also delivered a stern warning – anyone caught participating in thuggery would face consequences without political intervention. Finally, he echoed the support for reformed thugs, promising future training and empowerment programs.

The event concluded with a round of applause for the Mufarka Youth Development Initiative, who have already trained and empowered 800 out-of-school youths within the LGA. Stakeholders present urged other organizations to emulate this initiative as a collective step towards achieving a safer Kano State.