— SOLID Project Set to Boost Peace, Livelihoods Across Katsina
By: Abdullahi Inuwa
KATSINA — Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to rebuild lives shattered by insecurity, as he received a delegation from the World Bank’s Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities (SOLID) project at Katsina House, Asokoro, Abuja.
The team, led by the World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Christopher Mays Johnson, and Senior Social Development Specialist, Hajiya Zarah Goni Imam, was introduced by the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board, Dr. Mustapha Shehu.
Governor Radda described the SOLID project as “a timely and strategic intervention” that will strengthen resilience, restore hope, and promote lasting peace in communities affected by displacement.
“Today, I can confidently say criminality has drastically reduced across our major flashpoints,” Radda stated. “We are now concentrating on rebuilding schools, hospitals, and water facilities destroyed during the crisis.”
The Governor highlighted the ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration programme for repentant bandits, which provides livestock and vocational support to help them rebuild their lives. He further disclosed that the State, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is constructing 152 housing units and livelihood centres in Jibia for displaced families.
“The SOLID project perfectly aligns with our vision,” Radda said. “We want it to reflect the real needs of our people—focusing on welfare, recovery, and economic empowerment rather than weapons.”
He stressed that tackling the root causes of insecurity—poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity—is key to achieving enduring peace. “If we strengthen rural productivity and empower our farmers, peace will naturally take hold,” he added.
In his remarks, Mr. Johnson praised Katsina’s proactive preparedness, noting that the SOLID project was approved by the World Bank Board on August 7, 2025, with loan processes already underway.
He revealed that a coordination mission would take place in mid-November 2025, marking the official kickoff of project implementation across participating states. “Katsina has demonstrated strong readiness and commitment,” Johnson affirmed. “The Bank is fully prepared to support both the State and the Federal Government in delivering this vital programme.”
Dr. Mustapha Shehu commended the Governor’s leadership and inclusive governance style, noting that Katsina had already approved substantial counterpart funding and domesticated its State IDP Policy. He also lauded Governor Radda’s directive mandating 30% women participation in all state development projects.
“This host-community resettlement model ensures that displaced persons own permanent homes, not temporary shelters,” he said.
Hajiya Zarah Goni Imam applauded Katsina’s leadership and commitment, urging continued collaboration to achieve tangible results within the project’s 20-month implementation window.
The World Bank team pledged continued partnership with the Katsina State Government to ensure the SOLID project delivers sustainable peace, recovery, and economic empowerment for internally displaced persons and their host communities.
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