By Sunday Lawan, Lafia

The Emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, has said that over 13,000 Almajiri children  have been registered in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa, while 8, 000 out of school children have  also been  identified and returned to schools in the area.
The Emir disclosed  this Thursday when the Progressive Chapel of NUJ in the state paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Keffi.
According to the monarch, the decision by the Keffi Emirat Council to embark on the headcount of the Almajiri children and the out-of-school children is to reduce the increasing number of the children being brought in and dumped in the state which is fast becoming a worrisome and menacing to the wellbeing and security of the children and the state.

He stated further that the committee set up to handle the enumeration has taken inventory of all Islamic schools in Keffi and the  total number of A0lmajiris in the local government to ascertain the accurate figures so as to plan better on how to reform the system and stem any unwanted outcome.
He explained that in order to stem the trend, traditional institutions in the 13 Local government areas have been admonished to key into the initiative being undertaken by the Keffi Emirate Council.
The royal father stated that the Keffi local government has also undertaken to provide school materials for the reintegrated 8,000 out of school children.
Chindo Yamusa who advocated for adoption of out of school children by well-meaning and spirited individuals said the move if embraced would not only reduce crimes in the country, but Will  also reduce street begging.
According to the monarch, “a situation where children were being used for begging under the guise of Almajiri system was not just condemnable, but should be banned in the country.
“The Emirate council  has set up  a committee  to  organise and ensure that the local government was  rid of street begging and proffer  permanent  solution to address the prevailing situation”,  the monarch declared.  The monarch who lauded Governor Abdullahi Sule initiative to separate  the street beggars from Almajiris called for total support of the programme in the state.
Earlier,  Chairman of the Chapel, Donatus Nadi, had  acknowledged the contributions of the royal father in ensuring peace within his domain and the state at large.
Nadi who admonished other traditional rulers in the state to emulate the Emir of Keffi, assured the monarch of  the Chapel’s readiness to partner the traditional institution in its efforts to transform the state.