The Kaduna State Residents Identity Management Agency (KADRIMA) has initiated a public awareness campaign to mobilize residents for the ongoing registration and identity card enrollment exercise.

Dr. John Danfulani, the Executive Secretary of KADRIMA, led the advocacy tour across various Chiefdoms and Emirates in Southern Kaduna, where he met with traditional leaders and community stakeholders to stress the importance of the program.

Speaking to residents in Kachia on Thursday, Danfulani explained that the initiative is aimed at creating a detailed database of all residents in Kaduna State, which will support effective planning, improve security, enable social welfare programs, and enhance financial inclusion.

“We are appealing to everyone living in Kaduna, including non-indigenes, to update their residential information. As long as you reside in Kaduna, this identity card is for you,” he said.

Danfulani explained that the identity card, which also functions as a debit or credit card, will be a vital tool for accessing essential government services and opportunities. He further disclosed that residents will be able to use the card to access social welfare programs, scholarships, free education, subsidized healthcare, and health insurance.

Addressing concerns, Danfulani clarified that the initiative was not a revenue-generating scheme nor politically motivated. 

“It is not about generating revenue or any political inclination,” he said.

Danfulani stressed that the success of the program depends on the involvement of all residents, including both indigenes and non-indigenes. He encouraged everyone in the state to take advantage of the opportunity to register and obtain the identity card.

He expressed hope that with the backing of traditional rulers and residents, the initiative will accomplish its goals and bring significant benefits to the people of the state.

“This is strictly for the benefit of our people,” he added.

The sensitization tour covered several local government areas in Southern Kaduna, including Kachia, Kaura, Jema’a, Sanga, and Zangon Kataf. During the tour, Dr. Danfulani and his team engaged with monarchs and community leaders, highlighting the importance and benefits of the residents' registration and identity card enrollment exercise.

Our correspondent reported that the traditional rulers in the visited chiefdoms and emirates praised the government for bringing the initiative closer to the grassroots. They committed to continuing their efforts to educate and encourage their communities to participate in the registration process.