Kano’s Safe Corridor Project: A Beacon Of Hope For Youths Against Thuggery
By Ibrahim Waiya
Last Monday, I was part of a decisive move to curb political thuggery and restore peace among Kano’s youth, as His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, officially launched the Kano Safe Corridor Project, a transformative initiative aimed at rehabilitating young political agitators.
Originally conceived by former Commissioner of Police Gumel, the programme has already recorded 718 repentant youths pledging to abandon political violence and embrace reform.
This announcement was made during a strategic interface meeting at the Ministry of Transport’s Conference Hall in Goron Dutse, which brought together cluster leaders of the repentant youth influencers. This gathering marked the beginning of a new chapter in Kano’s efforts to promote peace and youth empowerment.
Representing the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, I emphasized the non-political nature of the initiative, urging the youths to seize the opportunity for reform. I acknowledged that while some had engaged in thuggery unintentionally, many now seek capital to start small businesses or require rehabilitation support from agencies such as the NDLEA.
I also addressed recent reports of renewed conflict, warning that Kano’s reputation must not be tarnished by violence. I urged the youths to “reform and repent,” stressing that time was not on their side. In a significant moment during the meeting, I asked the youths directly if they had resolved to abandon conflict, and I received a resounding “yes” in response.
Traditional and community leaders expressed strong support for the initiative. Sarkin Shanun Kano, Shehu Muhammad, described the gathering as “an important one that affects not only Kano but Nigeria at large,” lamenting the persistence of thuggery and contrasting it with the achievements of youths from other regions. Kano elder, Alhaji Gidado Mukhtar, likened Governor Yusuf’s inclusive leadership to that of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, reinforcing the communal spirit behind the project.
The Safe Corridor Project is designed to provide mentorship, economic support, and rehabilitation services to youths who have renounced political violence. With strong backing from traditional leaders, government officials, and community elders, the initiative aims to transform Kano’s youth into ambassadors of peace and progress.
As momentum builds, the project is expected to serve as a model for other states grappling with youth unrest and political manipulation. The message from Kano is clear: reconciliation, reform, and reintegration are not only possible, they are already underway.
Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya is the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs