- Reaffirms Commitment to Local Government Autonomy and Grassroots Development
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s firm commitment to empowering rural communities, strengthening local government autonomy, and expanding economic opportunities for the people through grassroots-based empowerment initiatives across the state.
Governor Radda made this known today during a series of official flag-off ceremonies held in Kankia, Ingawa, and Kusada Local Government Areas, where he launched multi-million-naira empowerment programmes fully funded by the respective local government councils.
These initiatives, he said, are designed to support small-scale business owners, women, and youths by providing them with the necessary tools, training, and financial support to promote self-reliance, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth at the grassroots level.
In Kankia, Governor Radda flagged off the distribution of empowerment materials worth hundreds of millions of naira, initiated by the Kankia Local Government Council under the leadership of its Chairman, Hon. Lawal Abubakar Gezzy.
The items distributed included sewing machines, 100 grinding machines, 30 motorcycles, 4 operational vehicles, 6 cows, and ₦50,000 cash support for 50 beneficiaries drawn from various communities.
The Governor commended Hon. Gezzy for his accountability and vision in implementing people-oriented projects, describing the initiative as a model of responsible grassroots leadership. He also announced that the Kankia Earth Dam, which caused flooding last year, would be captured for total renovation in the 2026 State Budget.
Similarly, he revealed that the Kankia General Hospital would benefit from the ongoing statewide renovation of healthcare facilities, while the Jumaat Mosque in Kankia town would undergo repairs next year.
Governor Radda reaffirmed that his administration would continue supporting vigilante groups and community volunteers through training and the provision of working tools to enhance security in local communities.
He urged all beneficiaries to make good use of the items given to them and called for continued prayers and cooperation from the people.
In his remarks, Hon. Gezzy outlined the distribution plan and commended the Governor for granting full autonomy to local governments, which he said has strengthened accountability and accelerated development.
In Ingawa, Governor Radda launched another multi-million-naira empowerment programme fully sponsored by the Ingawa Local Government Council under the leadership of its Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Idris (02). The distributed items included ₦40 million in cash support, 27 motorcycles, 100 sewing machines, and 100 grinding machines.
He praised Hon. Idris for his prudent management of council funds and transparency, noting that the success of the programme was proof that financial independence at the local level can directly transform lives.
Governor Radda also disclosed that the state government will review and rehabilitate the Ingawa Earth Dam for irrigation and agricultural use, aimed at enhancing food security and boosting local economic activities.
He lauded the collaboration between the state and local governments, describing it as a vital driver of accountability, innovation, and sustainable community development.
Hon. Abubakar Idris thanked the Governor for his continuous support and for ensuring that local governments receive direct allocations, empowering them to initiate meaningful projects.
He pledged to sustain programmes that empower youths and women and promote peace and prosperity across Ingawa.
The District Head of Yandoma, the Ubandoman Katsina, also appealed to the Governor for the rehabilitation of the dam, which serves as a major source of drinking water for residents.
The event in Ingawa was attended by prominent dignitaries including Engr. Mustapha Kanti Bello, Commissioner for Works; Engr. Sani Magaji Ingawa; National Coordinator AUDA-NEPAD, Jabiru Salisu Tsauri; the Member representing Ingawa Constituency in the State Assembly; and other political stakeholders.
In Kusada, Governor Radda again demonstrated his administration’s grassroots focus by flagging off another empowerment programme funded by the Kusada Local Government Council under the leadership of Hon. Sani Aminu Dangamau.
Items distributed included ₦30 million in cash support, 100 sewing machines, 100 grinding machines, and seven vehicles for official and community use.
Speaking to a massive and cheerful crowd, Governor Radda praised the unity and peace among the people of Kusada and described the empowerment drive as another example of development that begins at the grassroots.
“This empowerment initiative will help many women and youths start productive ventures,” the Governor said. “We will continue to empower our local governments because that is where development truly begins. Whoever is working sincerely for their people, we must support them — that is how we will build a prosperous Katsina State.”
Governor Radda also assured residents that major road projects linking Kusada to neighbouring communities were nearing completion and would soon be commissioned to enhance trade and connectivity.
He further called on political leaders to prioritize the welfare of their constituents, saying, “Every plan and project of this administration is for the poor and for the progress of our people.”
Hon. Dangamau, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to Governor Radda for his continuous support and frequent visits to Kusada.
He noted that the Governor’s commitment to local government autonomy has enabled councils to implement life-changing projects effectively. He also highlighted the ongoing road construction linking Kankia to Dan Gamau, attributing its progress to the Governor’s developmental vision.
The event also featured a significant political development as key figures from opposition parties — including the PDP, APGA, and PRP — formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging loyalty to the party and to Governor Radda’s leadership.
APC Deputy State Chairman, Alhaji Bala Abu Musawa, who spoke at all three events, commended Governor Radda for his inclusive and people-centered leadership.
He noted that the numerous appointments extended to sons and daughters of Kankia, Ingawa, and Kusada reflect the Governor’s fairness and commitment to balanced governance.
Other notable speakers included the APC National Legal Adviser, Barrister Murtala Aliyu Kankia, the Member representing Kankia Constituency, Hon. Salisu Hamza Rimaye, and several traditional rulers, who all praised the Governor’s tireless efforts in strengthening security, empowering citizens, and transforming Katsina State.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
31 October, 2025
