In a collaborative effort, the Kwara State Government and UNICEF have successfully empowered 34 children from a remand home, aiming to facilitate their reintegration into society. The event took place at the state banquet hall in Ilorin, where Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq emphasized the importance of supporting these young individuals.
This initiative marks the second phase of an empowerment program for ex-convicts released from the Borstal Training Institution in Ganmo, covering those released between April 2022 and December 2023. The governor noted that a total of 103 adolescents had been convicted of various crimes, including theft and rape, and from this group, 65 were assessed for reintegration, with 30 previously empowered.
During the ceremony, Governor AbdulRazaq announced that UNICEF is now supporting an additional 34 ex-convicts, providing training in 18 different skills to help them rebuild their lives. He emphasized the state government’s commitment to aiding these children in their transition back into the community.
Dr. Wilfred Mamman, a representative from UNICEF, acknowledged the efforts of the Kwara State Government in fostering a supportive environment for these children. He encouraged the young participants to remain resilient, reminding them that their past does not define their future. This empowerment initiative aims to provide them with opportunities and skills that will help them become productive members of society.