From Abdullahi Shugaba in Katsina.
The Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has commissioned 152 Mass Housg Scheme for Internally Displaced Persons, ( IDPs) and released N500m to victims to revive their businesses.
The Governor disclosed this while commissioning the project in Jibia.
The Governor stated that Climate Peace Hubs, and Solar Mini Grid were also provided in the Local Government Area.
Governor Radda said in his address during the commissioning ceremony that the housing project is the dividends of partnership between Katsina State Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Government through GIZ, and the Norwegian Government.
“What was then a vision is today a living reality, if we can recall vividly, we gathered here in October 2024 to flag-off these projects,That is what hope, partnership, and resolute action can build together,” the Governor said.
He added that the State Government provided land, perimeter walls, a worship centre, a school, drainage systems, access roads, and furniture in the area pointing out that the commitment goes deeper than these.
He explained it is on this sideline that the state government channelled ₦500 million as free grants to 500 Jibia indigenes through the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency to revive their small businesses to restore livelihoods and hope.
The Governor expressed gratitude that Jibia Local Government Area for the past one year did not recorded a single attack or kidnapping from bandits again
According to him, farmers have returned to their fields, markets are reopening. Children are back to school. prices of foodstuffs and other essential items are becoming stable.
“Across the State, productivity has risen and hope is rising where fear and suspicion once reigned”
The Governor reiterated that his determination will fight insecurity head -on which will become history one day
The Governor enjoined residents to ensure Peace in their communities stressing that “Peace is not the responsibilities of the government alone. It is a collective efforts”.
n a remark, Ms.Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, commended the Katsina State Government’s leadership style under governor Dikko Radda.
Attafuah commended the State’s co-financing contributions as proof of local ownership.
“Today’s investments are not the end of the story. They are the foundation for what comes next,” Attafuah said.
“They gesture are helping to create the conditions for recovery, resilience and long-term development.”
He noted that development itself is one of the ways peace is built stressing that the two are inseparable. Investment in housing, livelihoods, and opportunity becomes an anchor for stability.
Also speaking, German Ambassador to Nigeria, Anneth Gunther, appreciated Katsina State Government’s substantial contributions towards the completion of the commissioned project.
He assured Katsina State Government of Germany’s continued commitment to strengthening collaboration with UNDP and the State Government in exploring opportunities that will impact on people’s lives.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Katsina State commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Prof. Abdulhameed Ahmed Mani all the project’s. began in October 2024 and completed around mid-2025.
Mani said each of the 152 houses consists of two bedrooms, toilet, bathroom, and a large courtyard for small orchards and animal rearing—reflecting local practice.
“The estate includes four main water fetching points, access roads, street lights, and worship centres. Infrastructure supports daily life. It supports dignity.
He said the beneficiaries of these houses were carefully selected based on need by the selection committee.
