By Atoyebi Nike
The Kano State Government has praised the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) for its contributions to humanitarian efforts in the state. The commendation was announced by Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, during the opening of a three-day Participatory Planning Workshop on Durable Solutions for Displaced Populations, held in Kano on Tuesday under the European Union-funded SIDPIN Project.
Kibiya said the state has partnered with UN Habitat to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. He highlighted the agency’s technical support in managing shelters and settlements, which helps ensure organized and secure environments for affected populations. “UN Habitat assists governments and partners in delivering sustainable empowerment through life skills, housing solutions, restoration of infrastructure, and improved access to basic services,” he said.
The workshop provides a platform for stakeholders to assess challenges facing displaced persons, identify gaps, and develop responsive solutions. Kibiya reaffirmed Kano’s commitment to working with relevant actors to enhance social and economic well-being.
Permanent Secretary Hajiya Amina Yusuf noted that Kano faces rapid population growth, internal migration, and climate impacts and hosts many internally displaced persons from states affected by banditry, communal clashes, and environmental shocks, including Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Yobe, and Borno.
The representative of the Kano Emirate Council, District Head of Rimin Gado, Alhaji Auwalu Mudi Yakasai, called for stronger collaboration between political leaders and traditional institutions to achieve transformative progress. The workshop aims to ensure that planning reflects the priorities of all groups and promotes change through knowledge sharing, policy guidance, technical assistance, and joint action.
