Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has directed the Ministry of Higher, Vocational and Technical Education and the Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV) to open special classes for persons with disabilities at Katsina Youth Craft Village training centres in Katsina, Daura and Malumfashi.
The Governor gave the directive on Thursday during the flag-off of empowerment support distribution to 680 persons with special needs organized by Dan Amana Solidarity Forum at Gwagware Foundation Complex in Katsina.
Governor Radda said the special classes will provide persons with disabilities greater access to skills acquisition training and capital to establish businesses for self-reliance.
“We must ensure that our brothers and sisters with special needs have equal opportunities to acquire skills and become economically independent,” the Governor stated.
Governor Radda announced a donation of ₦6.8 million as additional support to the beneficiaries, describing it as the government’s commitment to inclusive empowerment.
He also announced the purchase of all products made by the beneficiaries as motivational support, encouraging them to continue developing their skills.
The Governor directed the management of Gwagware Foundation to open skills acquisition classes to train more persons with disabilities, ensuring wider coverage across the state.
He commended the initiator of Dan Amana Solidarity Forum for its unique consideration to persons with special needs in Katsina State.
Earlier, Director General of Dan Amana Solidarity Forum, Hajiya Ruqayya Umaru Radda, disclosed that the forum has been supporting persons with special needs across the state for six years.
She revealed that all 680 beneficiaries would receive ₦20,000 each as start-up capital after undergoing skills training.
Equally speaking, Chairman of Gwagware Foundation, Alhaji Yusuf Aliyu Musawa, disclosed that the empowerment programme was the 11th conducted at the centre, adding that DMG would launch similar empowerment for another 300 people.
He appreciated the Association of Contractors for constructing a block of two classrooms at the foundation’s headquarters and Engr. Mintari Sagir for embarking on the construction of an administrative block and mosque.
Alhaji Musawa announced a donation of ₦1 million to support Dan Amana Solidarity Forum and ₦500,000 to DMG.
The ceremony featured the distribution of empowerment support and the commissioning of the classroom block constructed by the Katsina Contractors Association.
The event attracted government officials, foundation management, beneficiaries and stakeholders in disability empowerment programmes.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
25th December, 2025
