Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reiterated that poverty and unemployment remain the root causes of insurgency and rising criminality in Nigeria.
The Governor made this known while receiving a high-level delegation from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) at the Government House, Katsina.
The delegation was in the state to present the “Sustainable Rehabilitation and Reintegration Project for Improved Livelihood and National Security,” a joint initiative targeting conflict-affected communities.
The project, which already has a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) since May this year, aims to promote economic empowerment using climate-smart integrated agriculture.
Governor Radda emphasized that “Insurgency thrives where economic hardship exists. If we must win the insecurity war, we must combine kinetic and non-kinetic approaches — and that begins with tackling poverty.”
While commending the partnership, the Governor pledged the full support of the state government and directed the Ministry for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, and the Agricultural Development Unit to lead the state’s collaboration efforts.
Earlier, Mr. Denis Ozioko, who led the delegation from the NCTC, said the visit was to formally present the project to the Governor following his absence during the MoU signing.
Ozioko also noted that many other northern states have since shown interest in the project, which is expected to transform lives and improve community resilience.
On his part, Mr. Prakash Kantsilwal of IITA highlighted the project’s core vision — restoring hope through sustainable farming, trade, and peaceful living for every family in Katsina State. He stressed the importance of food security, livelihood restoration, and social cohesion.
Also present at the event were the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; Executive Director Finance and Admin of Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Dutsinma and senior management staff of the Government House.
Press Released Signed By Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
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