Kano state government plans to relocate Kano Central Prison, Kurmawa in the state capital, to Janguza, close to the Army Barracks, in the outskirts of the city for maximum security.
Consequently, the government would possibly convert the present structure into a Girls’ secondary school to give more females access to education in the state.
The state governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who dropped the hint while receiving the Comptroller, Kano Prison Command, Alhaji Ahmad Abubakar who visited him at the Kano Government House on Monday, further stated that the state government has constituted a committee that would facilitate decongestion of prisons.
The governor explained that the committee would assist in freeing inmates with minor cases, through the state Judiciary adding that the government would look into other problems of the prisons and assist in addressing those that require immediate action.
He said the executive arm of government would ask the state chief Judge to be visiting the prisons situated in the state regularly, to facilitate freedom of deserving inmates, adding that another Committee on Prerogative Mercy would soon be constituted.
Earlier, the Comptroller Ahmad Abubakar told the governor that Central and Goron Dutse Prisons are in a state of disrepair, appealing to the state government to come to their rescue.
Alhaji Abubakar lamented that about 4,000 inmates are under their care with inadequate and dilapidated facilities, pointing out that their present state would not augur well for correctional services.
Meanwhile, Governor Ganduje has reaffirmed the government’s readiness to partner with any organization that is willing to train youths in the state to become self reliant.
He stated this when a delegation from a DFID funded Programme, Northern Nigeria Skill Development, (MAFITA) paid him a courtesy at the Government House on Monday, said youth development and job creation are priorities of his government.
Earlier, the team leader, Mr. Omar Azam said MAFITA programme was designed to assist youth to be self sustained through skill acquisition, pointing out that the program would enroll 20 percent Almajirai, 30 percent less privileged girls and 50 percent youth.
Mr. Ozam stated that the DFID commenced research on unemployment in Northern Nigeria since 2011 with a view to coming up with solutions to youth related problems.
