By Abdullahi Inuwa
In a sweeping move to fast-track development, the Katsina State Executive Council has approved a raft of transformative projects worth billions of naira across the health, energy, and education sectors — signaling Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s unwavering commitment to building a brighter, more resilient future for the state.
At its 10th regular meeting, chaired by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, with Governor Radda joining virtually, the Council greenlit funding to advance key pillars of the “Building Your Future” development agenda.
The Council approved ₦500 million in counterpart funding for a state-wide nutrition programme in partnership with UNICEF, unlocking a total of ₦1 billion to combat malnutrition among children and adolescent girls.
“Our goal is to ensure a healthier next generation,” said Commissioner for Health, Dr. Musa Adamu, adding that the programme strengthens Katsina’s nutritional support system.
In another bold step, Katsina joined a malaria control initiative with the Global Fund and Society for Family Health, contributing ₦400 million toward the procurement of 400,000 insecticide-treated nets to plug a 30% coverage gap.
Additionally, the Council approved the acquisition of 30 advanced medical imaging machines, a game-changing investment aimed at turning Katsina into a medical tourism hub for diagnostic healthcare services in Northern Nigeria.
“This is not just an investment in machines—it’s an investment in our future,” Dr. Adamu emphasized.
To stabilize energy supply across the state, the Council approved a one-megawatt generator, part of a broader strategy to reinforce Katsina’s power resilience under national reform plans.
Commissioner for Information, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, revealed that the government is also exploring hydroelectric power systems to support irrigation and farming, with surplus power to be fed into the grid via KEDCO, expanding electricity access to surrounding communities.
Education reform was also in sharp focus, with the Council approving ₦588 million for the procurement of 156,566 textbooks for 578 public secondary schools.
Special Adviser on Education, Alhaji Nura Saleh Katsayal, said the materials — covering key subjects like Maths, English, Sciences, Civic Education, Economics, and Islamic Studies — are tailored to meet national standards and elevate learning outcomes across the state.
“This is a strategic step to improve both teaching quality and academic performance,” Katsayal noted.
All the initiatives align with Governor Radda’s “Building Your Future” development blueprint, focused on citizen empowerment, infrastructure, education, health, and inclusive governance.
The strategic approvals underscore the administration’s resolve to deliver tangible results, setting the stage for a more prosperous and equitable Katsina.
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