From Rakiya A.Muhammad
The Sokoto State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling for the creation of an educational and skills acquisition centre to assist widows displaced by banditry and other security issues in the state.
Alhaji Abubakar Shehu (APC-Yabo) proposed, and Alhaji Atiku Liman (PDP-Silame) seconded the motion, which also called on the state government to convert the Sultan Maccido Waqf Centre for the project.
The legislator voiced his dismay at the prevalence of homeless and beggarly internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the city, primarily women and children.
He emphasised the need to help widows and their children go from dependence to self-sufficiency by empowering them with various skills.
Shehu recommended transforming the centre into an educational and skills acquisition centre, a beacon of hope and transformation. This centre, he emphasised, could be the key to economically empowering widows and children displaced by banditry, offering them a path to self-sufficiency and preventing their dependence on society.
He elaborated on the proposed centre, highlighting its potential to equip widows and children with diverse skills such as catering, knitting, tailoring, cream making, welding, mechanics, carpentry, and building, enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute to society.
He underscored the importance of a collective effort, stating that the state government, Zakkat Commission, foreign donors, and individuals should all have a role in funding the centre to demonstrate a shared commitment to the cause.
In addition, Alhaji Bello Idris (APC -Gwadabawa North) underlined the need to carry out a thorough census of IDPs in the state to guarantee appropriate assistance and use of the centre.
The parliamentarians unanimously adopted the motion after Speaker Alhaji Tukur Bala led a voice vote following discussions.
