- Programme Targets 1,000 Beneficiaries per 361 Wards with ₦50,000 Grants — Katsina Coordinator
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has inaugurated the 34 Local Government Coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, charging them to work diligently, collaborate closely with party structures, and ensure that citizens across the state benefit from the Federal Government’s economic support initiative.
The events, held today at the Government House, Katsina, was attended by council chairmen, members of the State Assembly, Renewed Hope Ambassadors, party stakeholders, government officials, and other dignitaries.
Governor Radda described the programme as a key intervention of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, designed to stimulate grassroots economic growth by supporting small and medium-scale businesses across the country.
“The Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme was introduced to support small and medium enterprises across various sectors. It is meant to inject capital into businesses, stimulate growth, and create job opportunities, especially in rural communities,” the Governor said.
He explained that the programme is being coordinated nationally under a structure involving the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, with governors appointed as zonal coordinators across the six geopolitical zones.
“In the North-West, I have the responsibility of serving as the zonal coordinator. This arrangement ensures proper direction, coordination, and effective implementation of the programme across the country,” he stated.
Governor Radda noted that the initiative has two major components—one political and the other administrative—emphasising the importance of synergy between both structures.
“The Renewed Hope Ambassadors are responsible for political mobilisation, while the Ward Development Programme delivers direct economic support to the people. Both structures must work together because the success of one depends on the other,” he said.
He urged the newly inaugurated coordinators not to operate in isolation but to maintain close working relationships with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in their respective local governments.
“You must work hand in hand with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors. They will guide you on the categories of beneficiaries, and after the support is delivered, they will maintain engagement with those beneficiaries. This cooperation is essential for the success of the programme,” the Governor stressed.
Governor Radda expressed confidence in the selection of the coordinators, noting that many of them are individuals he knows personally and believes have the capacity to deliver on the assignment.
“I am satisfied with the choices made. Many of you are people I know and trust. But the task before you is not a small one. You must justify the confidence reposed in you,” he said.
The Governor disclosed that the state is expected to register at least 1,000 beneficiaries from each ward under the programme, but noted that Katsina is still behind some states in the registration process.
“Some states have already recorded hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries. We cannot afford to be left behind. You must work day and night to ensure that people in your local governments benefit from this initiative,” he warned.
He added that the procedures for registration have been simplified, especially with the requirement for National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers, urging the coordinators to encourage citizens to obtain the necessary documentation.
“Many of our people already have their NIN and BVN. You must push for more registrations so that our citizens can benefit from this important national programme,” he said.
Governor Radda stressed that each coordinator would be held accountable for the performance of his local government, noting that the people would know who to hold responsible if any area lags behind.
“With this inauguration, we expect rapid progress. If any local government is left behind, the people will know who to hold accountable, because each of you is responsible for ensuring that your area is fully represented,” he said.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme in Katsina, who also serves as Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, explained that the initiative was designed to tackle poverty at the grassroots, stimulate local economies, and provide direct support to thousands of low-income but economically active residents across the state.
He noted that the programme was initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to empower between 1,000 and 2,000 individuals in each political ward across the country.
“These interventions will focus on agriculture, food processing, trading, and mining, with grants provided to stimulate production and strengthen household incomes at the community level,” he said.
He also highlighted that the programme targets at least 1,000 beneficiaries per ward, with ₦50,000 grants to be disbursed in three phases, bringing the total number of beneficiaries nationwide to about 10 million.
He further explained that the implementation strategy involves identifying economic opportunities in every ward, with collaboration among local, state, and federal authorities, while applications remain open to residents with valid National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers.
“The local government and ward coordinators will serve as the engine room of this programme, working closely with ambassadors and community stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and lasting impact,” he concluded.
Also in attendance were the Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; the former Deputy Governor of Katsina State and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Hon. Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi; the Katsina State APC Chairman, Hon. Sani Aliyu Daura; and the Chairman of the Katsina State APC Stakeholders, Hon. Salisu Mamman Kadandani.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina State Governor
17th February, 2026
