Katsina State, Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, on Thursday launched the Umar Ali Bindawa Ramadan Food Distribution and Women/Youth Empowerment Programme in Bindawa Local Government Area.
The event, held at the Bindawa secretariat, valued at N80million featured the distribution of essential Ramadan food items, financial support to women and youths, community assistance materials, and five vehicles for grassroots mobilization.
Governor Radda commended Hon. Umar Ali Bindawa for sustaining what he described as a people-focused empowerment initiative.
“I am pleased to witness this Ramadan empowerment programme in Bindawa once again—an initiative that reflects leadership rooted in service, compassion, and continuity. Efforts such as these strengthen the bond between leaders and their communities,” the governor said.
He noted that empowerment initiatives had become a consistent feature in the area, acknowledging the sustained, people-oriented efforts of both the lawmaker and the Chairman of Bindawa Local Government.
“Ramadan reminds us of generosity, compassion, and shared responsibility. Initiatives like these ensure that the blessings of the holy month translate into tangible development and improved livelihoods for our people,” he added.
Under the programme, 1,000 women were empowered with soybeans and other items to support small-scale enterprises, including kosai (bean cake) and awara production, as well as other food processing ventures.
“Supporting women entrepreneurs strengthens families, promotes self-reliance, and enhances food security during this blessed month. The impact extends beyond households to grassroots economic stability,” Radda said.
In the same vein, 200 youths received financial capital to establish or expand businesses in tailoring, welding, carpentry, painting, mechanics and other vocational trades.
“Youth empowerment remains critical to sustainable development. When young people are provided with resources and guidance, they become productive contributors to economic growth, social stability, and overall state progress,” the governor stressed.
Beyond the food and cash support, five vehicles were presented to party executives and key grassroots stakeholders to enhance administrative coordination and community engagement.
“These vehicles are not merely gifts; they are instruments to strengthen governance coordination, improve grassroots engagement, and support structured community development,” he noted.
Responding to stakeholders’ requests, the governor acknowledged the call for a maternal and child hospital in Bindawa and confirmed that the rehabilitation of the Bindawa–Dallaji Road and Doro–Giremawa Road had already been captured in the state’s development blueprint.
“We remain firmly committed to improving healthcare delivery and road infrastructure in Bindawa. These priorities have been duly noted, and our administration will continue to fulfil its promises,” he affirmed.
Radda also urged residents to intensify prayers during Ramadan and continue to cooperate with security agencies to sustain peace and unity across the state.
Earlier, Hon. Umar Ali Bindawa said the 2026 edition of the programme expanded previous interventions to accommodate more women and youths in line with the state government’s development agenda.
“This programme provides essential Ramadan food support to families, empowers women to scale their small businesses, and enables youths to attain economic independence,” he said.
According to him, 1,000 women received a bag of soybeans or white beans alongside ₦10,000 each, while 200 youths were supported with ₦50,000 each to start or expand vocational trades.
Additionally, 100 bags of sugar and 100 bags of millet were distributed to elders, teachers, Islamic scholars and other selected beneficiaries.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Hon. Shehu Dabai, charged attendees to imbibe righteous deeds, truthfulness and patience as guiding principles during Ramadan.
Also speaking, the APC Chairman for Daura Zone, Alhaji Mudassir Mati, who represented the State Chairman, appreciated the governor for attending the programme and commended his support for party activities and peaceful congresses.
Dignitaries at the event included the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abduljalal Haruna Runka; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; members of the State Executive Council; local government chairmen; and other stakeholder.
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