By Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru
The Kano State Government has lauded the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) for its contributions to humanitarian and community development efforts in the state.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, gave the commendation on Tuesday at the opening of a three-day Participatory Planning Workshop on Durable Solutions for Displaced Populations under the European Union-funded SIDPIN Project in Kano.
Aliyu said the state government had been working closely with UN-Habitat to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities.
He noted that the organisation had provided strong technical support in the planning and management of shelters and settlements, ensuring safer, organised and more resilient environments for vulnerable residents.
“This organisation assists governments and partners in delivering sustainable empowerment through life-skills acquisition, housing solutions, restoring essential urban infrastructure and improving access to basic services for affected populations.
“It is also pertinent to highlight that their role remains central in advancing durable solutions and improving the living conditions of displaced and vulnerable communities,” he said.
Aliyu said the workshop would provide a platform for stakeholders to jointly examine the realities faced by displaced persons, identify gaps and proffer solutions that respond to their needs.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with partners to promote the social and economic well-being of people in the state.
The commissioner urged participants to contribute actively to the discussions, saying the outcomes would help shape policies, programmes and interventions aligned with the priorities of the present administration and community aspirations.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Hajiya Amina Yusuf Yargaya, said Kano continued to experience rapid population growth, internal migration and climatic pressures due to its role as an economic hub and host community for displaced persons.
According to her, although the situation in Kano remains relatively stable compared to neighbouring states, humanitarian needs are influenced by poverty, climate-related challenges and spillover insecurity from the North-West and North-East regions.
“Kano State hosts a significant number of internally displaced persons from states affected by banditry, communal clashes and environmental shocks, including Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Yobe and Borno,” she said.
Also speaking, the representative of the Kano Emirate Council, the District Head of Rimin Gado, Dan Malikin Kano Alhaji Auwalu Mudi Yakasai, called for stronger collaboration between political leaders and traditional institutions. He said such cooperation would foster transformative progress within communities.
The three-day workshop aims to ensure that the planning process reflects the interests and priorities of all major groups by promoting transformative change through knowledge sharing, policy advice, technical support and collective action.