By Moses Gbande
Apparently disturbed by the nuisance caused by the activities of Almajiris in Northern Nigeria, Plateau State, the Executive Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has taken steps to ban its operations in Plateau state.
This follows the approval and the constitution of a Committee to enforce the ban order.
The decision of the state government is in line with the Resolution of the Northern States Governors’ Forum which took into consideration the social Challenges associated with the system and acceierating impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic in Nigeria.
Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the state Government, Secretary to the Government of the State, PROF. DANLADI ABOK ATU says the committee is to research and establish records of Almajiris within Jos-Bukuru Metropolis and Other Parts of the State.
‘To identify the indigenous Almajiris and recommend appreciate measures for enrollment into conventional and registered schools, Vocational Training Centers or Islamic lnstitutions;
” To identify the category of Almajiris from other parts of the Federation or neighbouring countries and recommend them for return to their various States or countries of origin;
“To identify and recommend any Community Leader, Parent or Cleric who resists the ban on Almajiri in the State for appropriate disciplinary action;
” Any other responsibility critical to the realization of the set objectives.
“While congratulating you on this very important assignment, it is hoped that the Committee Will work assiduously towards achieving the desired results in the interest of the Children and the State at large”.
He announced the membership of tje Committee as follows: Col. Salihu lnusa (rtd) Chairman, Coi. Awwal Suleiman (rtd) Member and Alh. Ahmadu Mohammad Deba _ Member.
Others are: Alh. Salihu Gyabe _ Member, Alh. Sani Mudi . Member, Alh. Sabo Umar Shuaibu Member, Chairman Jos North LGA Member, Chairman Jos South LGA Member, Chairman Mangu LGA Member, Chairman Kanam LGA Member , Chairman Wase LGA G Member, Chairman Shendam L A Member , Chairman Q/Pan Nak d Memger, Hajia Hahma Muktar Nakande members and Permanent Secretary (CSS) is to serve as secretary.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman, Col. Salihu lnusa (rtd) commended the state government for finding them worthy to serve the state in that capacity, saying the exercise has a genuine intention that if properly executed would go a long way in touching the lives of the generation yet unborn.
He however promised that they will do everything possible to ensure that the purpose for which they have been constituted is actualized and called on citizens to cooperate with them.
In the meantime, the Committee has evacuated over one hundred and forty-three (143) Almajiris from Mangu local government of plateau state to the neighboring states of Bauchi, Kaduna and Kano. This was conducted during the flag off of the exercise at government collage, Zaria road, in Jos by the State governent.
Nasarawa Reporters 