From Abdullahi Shugaba, in Katsina
The Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved compensation for residents affected by the ongoing Albaba–Unguwar Alkali Road project in Katsina metropolis as part of measures to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
This was disclosed to Citizenship Media by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Malam Ibrahim Kaula Mohamned
According to Mohamned, the council gave the approval on Wednesday during it’s 13th Regular Executive Meeting held at the General Muhammadu Buhari Government House, Katsina, chaired by Governor.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, said the Council considered and approved several memoranda covering infrastructure, education, youth development, environmental protection and public welfare.
The Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Dr Faisal Kaita also said the Council approved compensation for property owners affected by the Albaba–Unguwar Alkali Road project.
According to him, the approval is intended to ensure uninterrupted execution of the road project while guaranteeing fair compensation for affected residents. “The affected persons will be adequately compensated for properties impacted by the construction of the road,” Kaita said.
On education, Dr Zango disclosed that the Council approved the establishment of a Subject-Based Merit Scholarship Programme and the revival of the Katsina State Scholarship Trust Fund to expand access to quality education.
He added that the Council also approved the draft Katsina State Scholarship and Loans Board Bill, 2026, for onward transmission to the State House of Assembly after vetting by the Ministry of Justice.
According to him, the proposed legislation will strengthen the administration of scholarships and student loans, while draft investment guidelines for the proposed Education Endowment Trust Fund also received the Council’s approval.
Dr. Zango further disclosed that the Council adopted the report of the Committee on the Regulation and Standardisation of Tahfeez Schools to improve standards, certification and opportunities for graduates of Qur’anic schools.
The Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Dr. Babangida Kabir Ruma, said the Council approved the “Catch Them Young” Entrepreneurship Programme for public secondary schools. He explained that the initiative would expose students to practical entrepreneurship from an early stage, while teachers would receive specialised training before transferring the knowledge to learners.
“The programme is designed to nurture innovation, promote self-reliance and prepare students for future business opportunities,” Ruma said.
On his part, the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Development, Hon. Surajo Yazeed Abukur, disclosed that the Council approved recommendations for the repositioning of Katsina United Football Club. He said the Council also approved the purchase of a branded CNG bus for the club and air transportation for long-distance away matches to improve the team’s welfare and performance.
Abukur added that the Council approved the establishment of a Sports Scholarship Programme to support talented young athletes in combining academic excellence with sporting careers.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, Prof. Alamin Mohammed, announced the approval of the “Katsina-One-Person-One-Tree” programme across the 34 Local Government Areas.
He said the first phase would target the planting of two million trees in 2026, with a long-term goal of planting at least 11 million trees across the state by 2030.
The Council also approved contracts for erosion and flood control projects in 17 vulnerable communities to reduce the impact of flooding and protect lives and property.
Dr. Zango said the approvals reflected Governor Radda’s commitment to delivering people-centred policies that improve infrastructure, strengthen education, empower young people and promote sustainable development across Katsina State.
