By Abdullahi Shugaba, in Katsina
The Katsina State Executive Council has approved initiatives aimed at strengthening youth empowerment, to support small businesses, enhance agricultural productivity, to boost the state’s tax system.
The approvals were granted on Wednesday during the 6th Regular Executive Council Meeting held at the Government House, Katsina,chaired by Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda.
The State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango while briefing newsmen after the meeting said the decisions underscores the administration’s resolve to deliver concrete dividends of democracy to the people in line with the “Building Your Future” Agenda of Governor Radda.
The Commissioner for Higher Technical and Vocational Education, Hon. Sani JB Daura in a remark during the briefing, announced that the council has approved the procurement of 2025 resettlement packages for 1,662 graduates of the Katsina Youth Craft Village across the three senatorial zones of Katsina, Daura, and Malumfashi respectively.
“ initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to empowering youths through skills acquisition and the provision of starter packs to enable them become self-reliant and reduce youth restiveness,” the commissioner said.
The Director-General of KASEDA, Dr. Babangida Rumah on his part said the council approved the branding of 6,200 roadside shops and businesses across the state’s metropolis and the 34 Local Government Areas in preparation for financial support under the Direct Grant Programme.
“This effort follows the successful corridor mapping of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises conducted by the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency to identify and support eligible businesses,” Rumah explained.
On agriculture, he disclosed that the council has approved the procurement of assorted improved seeds from reputable companies and agro-dealers for distribution to farmers at subsidized rates for the 2026 farming season.
According to him, the intervention is designed to enhance agricultural output by ensuring farmers have access to quality inputs and support services.
The Chairman, Katsina State Internal Revenue Service, Isyaku Muhammed, said that the council approved the domestication of the 2025 Tax Reform Act to align with the state’s tax administration system, alongside forwarding a Draft Bill on consolidated revenue law and harmonized rates and levies to the State House of Assembly.
“This reform will provide relief to low-income earners and vulnerable citizens to strengthen the state’s revenue base through a more efficient and transparent tax system,” he added.
He pointed out that these approvals are in line with Governor Radda’s commitment to building a more inclusive, economically vibrant, and self-reliant Katsina State under his “Building Your Future” agenda.
