From Abdullahi Shugaba, in Katsina
The Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved the release of ₦4 billion for second phase Community Development Programme (CDP) projects across the state’s 361 wards.
The approvals were made on Wednesday during the 12th Regular Executive Council Meeting chaired by the governor at the Council chambers in Katsina.
The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, who briefed newsmen after the meeting said the Council approved several memoranda to strengthen community development, women’s empowerment, education, economic reforms, and public service delivery.
In a remark, CDP Coordinator. Prof, Kamaladden Kabir explained that the Council approved the release of ₦4 billion for the implementation of the second phase of the Community Development Programme across the 361 wards of Katsina State.
He stated that each ward is expected to receive N10 million to undertake projects selected by residents based on their most pressing needs.
He disclosed that the approval followed the remarkable achievements recorded during the first phase of the programme and would enable Community Development Committees across the state to continue implementing projects that directly address the developmental priorities of their respective communities.
“The release of these funds demonstrates Governor Radda’s commitment to grassroots development by empowering communities to identify and execute projects that have direct impact on the lives of the people,” he said.
The Commissioner Dr Bala Salisu; further announced that the Council approved the 2026 counterpart funding for the implementation and expansion of the Nigeria for Women Project.
According to him, the project is designed to improve the livelihoods of poor and vulnerable women through economic empowerment, social inclusion, and enhanced access to financial services.
He noted that Katsina State has emerged as one of the leading implementing states of the programme in the country owing to the strong political commitment and unwavering support of Governor Radda’s administration towards women’s empowerment and inclusive development.
“The approval reinforces the administration’s determination to empower women economically, promote financial inclusion, and improve household livelihoods across Katsina State,” he stated.
Commissioner Basic and Secondary Education Hon. Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, disclosed that the Council approved the award of contract for the supply and installation of Smart School Information Technology Infrastructure at the newly established Model Secondary Schools in Jikamshi and Dumurkul.
He explained that the project includes smart classrooms, interactive digital boards, campus-wide ICT and network infrastructure, and other modern educational technologies aimed at creating secure, technology-driven learning environments for students.
“This initiative reflects Governor Radda’s vision of transforming education through digital innovation and preparing our students with the technological skills required to compete in the 21st-century knowledge economy,” he added.
The Economic Adviser Kahlil Nur Khalil; announced that the Council considered the progress made in implementing the 2025 Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP) and approved the publication of the 2025 BERAP Progress Report as part of the annual eligibility requirements under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme.
He explained that the approval underscores the state’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business, strengthening governance reforms, and attracting investment into Katsina State.
“The publication of the BERAP Progress Report demonstrates Katsina State’s continued commitment to institutional reforms that enhance transparency, improve the investment climate, and stimulate economic growth,” he noted.
Speaking on water supply, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Malam Dasuki Abubakar, said the Council approved the procurement of water treatment chemicals for the second quarter of 2026 to sustain potable water supply across the state.
He added that the Council also approved the deployment of water tanker trucks to supply water to various parts of Katsina metropolis during the ongoing rehabilitation and upgrading of the state waterworks, which is expected to last for two weeks.
“The temporary deployment of water tanker trucks will ensure that residents continue to have access to water while rehabilitation works are being carried out to improve the efficiency of the water supply system,” he explained.
The approvals reflect Governor Radda’s commitment to grassroots development, women’s empowerment, quality education, economic reforms, and improved access to safe water across Katsina State.
