The Kaduna State Government has extended substantial support to 39 individuals recently released from detention following their involvement in #EndBadGovernance protests.
The government, led by Governor Uba Sani, has provided each of the former detainees with N100,000 in cash, new smartphones, and additional resources to facilitate their reintegration into society.
The state authorities reunited the individuals with their families on Wednesday in a ceremony held at the Children Homes along Kauru Road, Kaduna.
During the event, Governor Sani pledged his commitment to the welfare and empowerment of the released protesters, offering assurances of reintegration opportunities on the condition that they adhere to lawful and responsible behavior.
In his address to journalists, Secretary to the State Government, Abdulkadir Meyere, speaking on behalf of the governor, shared that Sani had directed him to gather the credentials of those who had completed tertiary education.
“The governor promised that some of them will be given start-up capitals to commence trading, others will be taught skills, and some will be given employment,” Meyere stated.
He further explained that the government would monitor the activities and conduct of all the released individuals to ensure compliance with the terms of support.
"We will be tracking their activities to make sure they are of good behavior before these benefits are extended to them,” he said. To aid in this, the state government collected the personal details of each released detainee, including contact information and the names of their next of kin.
Meyere also disclosed that the released protesters underwent medical examinations and received psycho-social counseling to help them reintegrate positively into society. “Both Islamic and Christian religious leaders preached to them, encouraging them to embrace the teachings of their faiths and avoid bad company, to benefit from God’s blessings both here and in the hereafter,” he added.
The Commissioner for Human Service and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the government's commitment to the well-being of the former detainees.
Among the released individuals were 39 individuals, including two minors aged 16 and 17. Salisu urged them to be “ambassadors of peace” within their communities and to avoid any future involvement in unlawful protests.
“We want you to go back and reconnect with your families,” Salisu said, adding, “We may call you back for further training to enhance your reintegration.”
