The Chairman of Birniwa Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Shehu Baba, has joined 2,600 Hisbah guards in a one-week training aimed at strengthening the fight against social vices in the state.

The training, which took place on Friday at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Orientation Camp in Fanisau, Dutse, was organised by the Jigawa State Hisbah Board to improve the capacity of the guard’ to promote peace and moral values.

Speaking during the passing-out ceremony for the trained Hisbah guards held at the NYSC camp, Shehu Baba said he participated in the exercise to show support for the guards and contribute his quota to grassroots development.

“I am happy to be part of this training. Hisbah Guards are custodians of moral values. They work to discourage bad behaviour and encourage good conduct in our communities,” he said.

The chairman added that his presence was also meant to motivate the guards and encourage more citizens to participate in community service.

“By joining them, I want to encourage and inspire them. I also want to call on other people to support efforts that will make our society safer,” he stated.

Baba commended Governor Umar Namadi for his commitment to peace-building through the training and welfare of Hisbah personnel across the state.

In his address while declaring the training closed, the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, applauded the Birniwa council boss for participating fully in the exercise.

Namadi, who was represented by his Deputy, Aminu Usman, said the state government had upgraded the Hisbah to the status of a board and equipped it to effectively tackle social problems.

He noted that the Namadi administration was determined to ensure peace, stability and moral uprightness across all parts of Jigawa.

The Deputy Governor urged the 2,600 guards to use the knowledge gained to serve their communities with dedication.

“I charge all of you to apply what you have learned here in discharging your duties. Be good ambassadors of peace in your areas,” he said.

Earlier, the Commander-General of the Jigawa State Hisbah Board, Dr Fa’iz Bashir, said the training focused on discipline, law, public enlightenment and skills for crime prevention.

He explained that a well-trained Hisbah force would help reduce crime and promote unity in the state.

“The participants are expected to return to their respective local government areas to carry out enlightenment and enforcement duties in line with the mandate of the board,” he stated.

Some of the trained Jigawa Hisbah guards shared their excitement with a PUNCH correspondent shortly after their passing-out ceremony.

Dayyabu Sani, a guard from Gumel LGA, said the training had prepared them for the task ahead.

“This one-week training has really opened our eyes. We were taught how to handle people with respect, how to promote peace, and how to discourage bad behaviour in our communities. I am ready to go back home and serve my people with honesty and fear of God,” he stated.

Another female guard, Haulatu Muhammad, from Dutse LGA, also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.

“Before now, many people did not understand the role of Hisbah. But after this training, we now know that our job is to guide, counsel, and protect public morals, not to intimidate anyone. We thank Governor Namadi and the Hisbah Board for this training. By God’s grace, we will do our best to fight social vices and help build a better Jigawa,” she said. (The PUNCH)

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