By A.I Muhammad M/fashi
For decades, the challenges facing northern Nigeria have been miraged termed “the North.” But this broad categorization has allowed critical issues to the specifics in different states such as Katsina that mostly remained unaddressed.
It’s important time to shift focus from abstract regional concerns to the tangible, on-the-ground of realities that affect the lives of millions in Katsina State.
Since 1999, a parade of governors has taken the helm of state’s affairs, each with promises of progress, yet the persistent issues of adult illiteracy, out-of-school children, poverty, and inadequate healthcare remain.
The Illiteracy Conundrum: Broken Promises in Education, Katsina State has long struggled with high levels of adult illiteracy and a growing number of out-of-school children.
Successive governors have pledged to tackle these issues, yet the statistics paint a grim picture. Adult literacy programs have been sporadic at best, often failing to reach the most marginalized communities.
Meanwhile, the state’s educational infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with too many children still lacking access to basic education.
A generation of young people without the skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty. Education is the key to empowerment, yet it has been treated as an afterthought, while other states have made strides in improving their educational systems, Katsina continues to lag behind, leaving its youth without the tools they need to thrive.
Poverty and Economic Stagnation: The Forgotten Farmers and Peasants,
Katsina’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, with farmers and peasants forming the backbone of the state’s workforce. Yet, despite their crucial role, these groups have been largely ignored by those in power.
Access to capital or marching grant remains a significant barrier, with many farmers unable to secure the funds needed to invest in their land or expand their operations.
Poverty remains widespread, exacerbated by a lack of economic opportunities and support from the government.
Our governors have made lofty promises about economic development and poverty alleviation, but the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Small-scale farmers continue to struggle, and the state’s economic growth has been sluggish at best, without meaningful investment in the agricultural sector and targeted efforts to alleviate poverty, Katsina’s economy will continue to falter, leaving its people trapped in a cycle of deprivation.
The Health Crisis: A Failing System.
The health challenges facing Katsina State are equally dire. High fertility rates, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and a lack of access to quality medical services have created a perfect storm of health crises.
Our hospitals are underfunded and understaffed, leaving many without the care they need. Maternal and child health, in particular, has suffered, with too many families unable to access even basic medical services.
Abuja, the seat of power, it is not where our solutions lie, the responsibility for improving healthcare in Katsina falled squarely on the shoulders of our state leaders. Yet, year after year, the situation deteriorates, with little action taken to address these pressing issues.
A Call to Action: Moving Beyond Cheap Talk
It’s time to move beyond the empty rhetoric and hold our elected officials accountable. Katsina’s challenges are too severe to be solved by mere words.
We need concrete action, targeted investments, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of our problems. The future of our state depends on it. Let’s stop indulging in cheap talk and start demanding real change from our leaders. Only then can we hope to build a better Katsina for all.
Collaborative efforts from donor agencies and proactive leadership are needed to address the challenges with clear roadmap of designed policies to emancipate the state, make citizens productive and heatheir with basic education system as veritable tool of progress.
A.I Muhammad M/fashion
Social Commentator
About The Author
