Tahir Guest Palace’s humanitarian support: empowering Kano’s repentant youth in collaboration with Kano State Police, AMG Foundation, others

October 20, 2023 Mustapha Salisu

By Balarabe Musa

In a momentous celebration, the Kano State Police Command orchestrated a vibrant ceremony to honor the transformation of repentant thugs in the heart of Nigeria’s most populous state, Kano.

This event received unwavering support from the Aminu Magashi Garba (AMG) Foundation and the Tahir Guest Palace, signifying a collaborative effort to reintegrate these young individuals into society and combat the stigma associated with their past.

Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, Chairman of the AMG Foundation, delivered an inaugural speech, expressing the foundation’s commitment to partnering with various stakeholders to empower and uplift youth. He emphasized that supporting the youth is an investment in the prosperity of society.

Zainab Nasir Ahmad, the Executive Director YOSPIS welcome all the invited guests and congratulates the repentant. She reminds the gathering of the previous peace projects on peace about peaceful elections and peace football matches including between repentant thugs and Police. The director reminded the governor on his promise to the youth during peace summit and advocate for urgent fulfillments.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Usaini Gumel, in his keynote address, stressed the significance of employing a community policing approach to reduce crime rates in the state. He urged everyone to extend love and a sense of belonging to the repentant individuals and involve them in transformative initiatives.

The CP also encouraged the repentants, referred to as “Kano Gold and Silver Youth” or “Jaruman Matasa” in Hausa, to embrace their daily journey of transformation. He announced an open-door policy for guidance and ongoing support.

The representative of head of Tahir Group Dr Musa Sufi, spoke on behalf of Mr. Mohammed Tahir Fadlallah and expressed his delight for contributing to this remarkable initiative. The representative highlighted the palace’s daily involvement in supporting community development projects and found it exhilarating to provide financial support for this innovative work.

On behalf of Mr. Mohammed, Dr Sufi further extended his congratulations to the repentant youths and their families, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the Kano State Police, Kano State Governor, Emir of Kano, and the people of Kano State. He encouraged everyone to adopt similar approaches to eradicate crimes and successfully reintegrate repentant individuals into society.

Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the Emir of Kano, expressed his happiness at witnessing the positive transformation of these youths, as they transitioned from their troubled past to becoming better individuals who have renounced a life of crime. He charged them, the “Jaruman Maza,” to seek knowledge in Islam and life, aspiring to become model citizens that the community and Kano can take pride in.

In his closing speech, Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, affirmed the government’s commitment to empower the repentant youths, enabling them to reintegrate into the community as self-sufficient and improved individuals, ready to contribute to their own futures.

Governor Abba Kabir further pledged government support for the education of those wishing to return to school, offering scholarships and sponsorships. For those interested in acquiring skills or starting businesses, the government will provide comprehensive support. The governor expressed his joy at the success of this initiative, considering it a significant step toward achieving peace and socio-economic development in Kano.

The event took place at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium and brought together 222 repentant thugs, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, media, security agencies, professional organizations, foundations, and more.