…Radda’s ‘Building Your Future’ Agenda Gains New Momentum
By:Abdullahi Inuwa
KATSINA — In a bold move to accelerate inclusive development and improve livelihoods across Katsina State, the Executive Council, under the leadership of Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved a series of landmark projects and policies focused on women empowerment, modernized commerce, clean water access, agricultural revitalization, housing, and support for displaced persons.
The far-reaching decisions were reached during the 15th Regular Council Meeting held on Tuesday at the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina. The meeting, chaired by Governor Radda himself, marked another milestone in the implementation of his administration’s Building Your Future agenda.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, led a team of senior officials who unveiled the major resolutions. The delegation included Hon. Bashir Gambo Saulawa (Commissioner for Water Resources), Hon. Yusuf Haruna Jirdede (Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Tourism), Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Tsiga (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development), and Malam Murtala Daura (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs).
Zobe Dam Project Gets Greenlight
Hon. Bashir Gambo Saulawa announced that the Council had approved the completion of the long-awaited Zobe Dam Phase 1B Project, which will deliver potable water to communities in Dutsin-Ma, Kankia, Charanchi, Rimi, Batagarawa, and Katsina Local Government Areas.
He described the move as “a historic milestone that will bring lasting relief to thousands of households.”
“Once completed, this project will deliver clean and reliable water to more communities and drastically improve living standards,” Saulawa stated, reaffirming the administration’s resolve to end decades of water scarcity in affected areas.
Markets to Undergo Modernization Drive
In another major decision, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, Hon. Yusuf Haruna Jirdede, revealed that the Council had approved a phased rehabilitation and modernization of major community markets across all 34 Local Government Areas.
He disclosed that at least one market in each senatorial zone will be upgraded to international standards.
“This initiative will boost commerce, expand local trade, and create new economic opportunities for traders and entrepreneurs, especially at the grassroots level,” Jirdede said, noting that improved market infrastructure will spur micro and small business growth.
Agriculture and Irrigation Boost
To strengthen agricultural production and ensure food security, the Council approved the procurement of nine heavy-duty earth-moving machines for the construction, rehabilitation, and dredging of irrigation dams across the 361 wards of the State.
Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Tsiga, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, explained that these machines will “enhance irrigation farming, increase productivity, and promote food security.”
Over 14,000 Women to Benefit from Empowerment Programme
On the social empowerment front, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Malam Murtala Daura, announced a large-scale Women Empowerment Programme targeting 14,450 women engaged in small-scale enterprises and traditional livelihoods across the 34 Local Government Areas.
“This initiative aims to strengthen women’s economic independence, boost household incomes, and stimulate rural economic growth,” he said, emphasizing that the project aligns with Governor Radda’s focus on grassroots prosperity.
Katsina Shines in Climate Governance
In a related development, Professor Al-Amin Mohammed, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, revealed that Katsina State ranked 7th out of 275 sub-national governments in Africa and 2nd in Nigeria during a continental climate performance assessment held in Ethiopia — a remarkable leap from its 25th position last year.
“This recognition is a testament to Governor Radda’s foresight and commitment to driving home-grown climate action and sustainable policies,” he remarked.
Education, IDPs, and Housing Development
Dr. Bala Salisu Zango also announced the Council’s approval for a review of the existing policy on private schools, following consultations with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Katsina Chapter.
“The reviewed policy will ensure fairness, quality assurance, and stronger collaboration between the government and private education stakeholders,” he said.
In a humanitarian stride, the Council approved the Katsina State IDP Policy and State Action Plan on Durable Solutions, which provides a framework for the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) — restoring their dignity and livelihoods.
Furthermore, the Council sanctioned the construction of a modern housing estate along the New Eastern Bypass and within the low-density layout behind the Nigerian Air Force Base, Katsina. The project aims to promote urban expansion and improve residential infrastructure for the growing city population.
Radda’s Vision for Inclusive Growth
In his closing remarks, Dr. Zango reaffirmed that the decisions taken reflect Governor Radda’s vision of transforming Katsina into a model state driven by innovation, inclusiveness, and resilience.
“These approvals show our government’s deep commitment to empowering communities, strengthening the economy, and ensuring that development touches every corner of the State,” he said.
All the approved projects, he added, are vital components of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s Building Your Future blueprint — a comprehensive roadmap centered on security, infrastructure renewal, women and youth empowerment, and sustainable community development.
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