#EndBadGovernance Protests: Nigerian Government to Reintegrate Pardoned Minors

The Nigerian government has announced plans to collaborate with the Kaduna State Government to provide skill acquisition and reintegration programmes for minors pardoned from the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, disclosed this during a follow-up visit to Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, to assess the progress of the minors’ rehabilitation.

“We are not just granting them freedom; we are offering them a future where their potential is fully realised through vocational training and access to starter packs,” Prof. Yilwatda said.

He assured that the initiative would leave no minor behind, ensuring that their reintegration is successful and impactful.

The Minister commended Governor Sani for his proactive leadership in ensuring that the affected minors are not only reunited with their families but also receive counseling, education, and vocational training.

He further lauded Kaduna State’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting the governor’s commitment to security, education, inclusivity, and empowerment.

Prof. Yilwatda also expressed appreciation to UNICEF and other development partners for their support in providing psychosocial services, vocational training, and educational reintegration programs for the children.

Additionally, he congratulated Governor Sani on the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of key projects in Kaduna State, including the establishment of the Federal University of Technology in Kachia, additional military barracks for enhanced security, and a Federal Medical Center.

Governor Sani, in response, praised the minister’s dedication to humanitarian causes, recognising his efforts in visiting various communities and addressing critical issues.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to rehabilitating and reintegrating the minors and youths, noting that they have undergone psychosocial therapy under the supervision of Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe.

Also Read: Minority Caucus Lauds President Tinubu For Releasing #EndBadGovernance Protesters

He further stated that the Kaduna State Government has enrolled the minors in schools and business programs while providing them with vocational training at three major skills acquisition centers.

Governor Sani emphasised the state’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in extending skill acquisition programs to youths and ensuring financial inclusion for vulnerable populations. He revealed that Kaduna State has already opened bank accounts for 2.2 million vulnerable persons, with a target of reaching 3.5 million.

The pardoned minors and youths from the ‘EndBadGovernance’ protests were officially handed over to state governments in December 2024 by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The high-profile meeting at Sir Kashim House in Kaduna was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu Mayere, Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Dr. Yetunde Adeniyi, directors from the Ministry, aides to the Minister, and members of the Kaduna State Executive Council.