Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building lasting peace and driving inclusive development across the state.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with stakeholders at Government House in Katsina, Radda said the gathering was convened to address insecurity, review achievements, and strengthen strategies for sustainable progress.
“We are committed to ensuring that peace returns to every community in Katsina. Development cannot thrive without security, and we are determined to achieve both through collaboration with stakeholders at every level,” the governor declared.
The high-level meeting drew political leaders, traditional rulers, security experts, scholars, and business executives, with discussions centred on tackling insecurity and accelerating socio-economic reforms.
Housing and Support for IDPs
In his address, Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal disclosed that the government will launch 152 new homes and business support initiatives for internally displaced persons (IDPs) under the “Building Your Future” policy. He added that the administration has already created over 35,903 jobs through recruitment and grassroots peacebuilding initiatives involving vigilantes, hunters, ward heads, and religious leaders.
Urban Renewal and Infrastructure
Lawal revealed that the Katsina Urban Renewal project, spanning Daura, Funtua and Katsina senatorial districts, has cost ₦74.9 billion. Key projects include the 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass, dualisation and reconstruction of major roads, and completion of rural feeder roads.
Education, Agriculture, and Welfare
On education, he described an “education revolution,” citing 160 new classrooms, rehabilitation of 258, training of 18,000 teachers, establishment of three model schools, and ₦6.18 billion in scholarships awarded to over 174,000 students.
In agriculture, the state has distributed 400,000 bags of subsidised fertiliser annually, procured 400 tractors, supplied 4,000 irrigation pumps, and launched a Goat Rearing Initiative to empower women and herders.
Workers’ welfare has also been prioritised, with ₦24 billion paid in gratuities, alongside wage awards, Ramadan packages, civil service reforms, and food distribution schemes.
Healthcare, Water, Land, and Energy
The deputy governor further highlighted improvements in healthcare, with 260 ward-level primary health centres built or upgraded, general hospitals renovated, and new diagnostic and dialysis centres established. Water projects worth ₦14.6 billion have been executed, while the Katsina Geographic Information System (KATGIS) is modernising land administration.
In the energy sector, ₦3.84 billion has been invested in solar mini-grids, 74 km of solar-powered streetlights, high-tension line restoration, and transformer upgrades.
Governor Radda concluded: “Katsina’s future is being built on the pillars of security, education, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure. Together with our people, we will continue to create opportunities and ensure sustainable peace for all.”
