Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has commenced a statewide public engagement tour to foster grassroots involvement in governance and development initiatives.
The tour kicked off with the launch of the 2025 Citizens Budget Participation Process and the Community Development Programme (CDP) at the Tati Housing Unit, Funtua.
While emphasising on the importance of community-driven development, Governor Radda stated that the Community Development Committees will serve as a bridge between the government and the grassroots, ensuring that resources are allocated fairly and projects are executed effectively.” He announced plans to present a bill to the Katsina State House of Assembly to establish these committees legally.
Governor Radda’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed explained that the significant town hall meeting is part of a series of public consultations designed to foster grassroots participation in the state’s budgetary process and ensure equitable distribution of development projects across all local governments.
According to him,the event, which will continue in Daura and Katsina in the coming days, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community-driven development.
“The Community Development Committees will act as a bridge between the government and the grassroots, enabling us to better understand and meet the needs of our people,” Governor Radda stated,adding
“They will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting any malpractices by contractors or individuals within their localities, thereby enhancing the quality and integrity of our projects.”
Meanwhile, the Katsina Governor has announced the commencement of admissions at the Federal University of Health Sciences in Funtua in October 2024.
To that effect, a visitation panel is scheduled to ensure that all necessary facilities are in place for the timely start of academic activities.
Furthermore, he revealed that plans are underway to convert the Faculty of Agriculture in Malumfashi into a dedicated College of Agriculture.
In furtherance of improving healthcare delivery, Governor Radda disclosed that the state government will establish new general hospitals in Bakori and Danja Local Government Areas.
“This initiative is expected to alleviate the burden on residents who currently travel long distances for medical services,” Governor Radda explained.
During the tripartite event, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Muazu, provided insights into the state’s ongoing security efforts.
He revealed that over thirty billion naira has been spent on security since the inception of the current administration in 2023.
According to him, “These funds have been used to engage 1,462 community watch personnel and to support local governments in their security operations.”
Dr. Muazu also stressed the government’s investment in Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), arms, and communication gadgets for the security watch corps. He acknowledged the persistent security challenges, alleging the involvement of security personnel, traditional rulers, and politicians working with bandits responsible for the continued insecurity in the state.
He urged the public to cooperate with the government in exposing all those identified working for bandits, saying it’s a step to reduce the threat in the state. Dan-musa, however, reassured citizens of the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity challenge.
In addition, the former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prof. Badamasi Lawal Charanci, who now serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Program Agency (NSIPA), disclosed that the Katsina State Government has released over 130 billion naira for project execution across the 34 local governments in the state.
He added that 86 billion of the funds was expended on payment of salaries, gratuities, and death gratuities.
“Katsina State Government in collaboration with the 34 LGAs procured adequate fertilizer worth over 13 billion naira. This is in addition to about 2 billion naira joint foreign scholarship and palliative given to orphans, vulnerable, and aged men and women,” Prof. Badamasi asserted.
Adding to the public engagement, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Bello Hussaini Kagara, informed the public on the progress of the 2024 budget and the goals for the upcoming 2025 fiscal year. He reported that the state government has achieved significant milestones in various sectors including law and order, social welfare, and infrastructure development.
He called on citizens to actively participate in the budget process and to support the government’s efforts in addressing security and development challenges.
The town hall engagement marks a new chapter in Katsina State’s approach to governance, one that is centered on citizen participation, transparency, and accountability.