The Federal Government of Nigeria has entered into a strategic partnership with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, aimed at lowering the number of out-of-school children by welcoming them back into formal education.
Formalized in Argungu, Kebbi State, the agreement was executed by the monarch and Dr. Abdulrazaq Akinyele, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, who stood in for the executive secretary.
Addressing attendees at the event, the Sultan emphasized that traditional leadership institutions are fully resolved to curb child street begging and channel young people back into academic environments.
“Begging is not sanctioned by Islam; we are committed to returning street kids to school,” the Sultan stated.
Furthermore, he appealed to affluent members of society to extend financial and moral support to vulnerable orphans who have ended up on the streets following the devastating impacts of banditry and insurgency in parts of the country.
“I’m thanking the Kebbi State Government and Governor Nasir Idris for taking over the Argungu Orphanage towards ensuring proper care and formal supervision,” the Sultan added.
Representing Governor Nasir Idris at the ceremony, the Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Umar Abubakar Tafida, officially assumed administrative control of the Argungu Orphanage on behalf of the state administration.