Katsina State government has taken a significant step toward enhancing grassroots development with the deployment of 1,600 staff across its local government areas as part of the newly inaugurated Community Development Programme.
The initiative, described as the first of its kind in Nigeria, aims to empower communities to identify and prioritise their developmental needs.
The state coordinator for the programme under Katsina State Empowerment Development Agency (KASEDA), Dr Kamaluddin Kabir, in an interview with LEADERSHIP Weekend, highlighted the government’s innovative approach saying the administration has shifted from a top-down governance model to a participatory, bottom-up framework.
He explained that the programme empowers citizens to influence government projects and social intervention efforts directly.
“These staff members have been strategically deployed to 361 wards, each equipped with Community Development Centres, to facilitate town hall meetings and ensure seamless communication between the government and grassroots communities.
“The staff will work closely with community representatives, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, women leaders, and youth leaders, to form community-level committees.
“These committees will assess local needs, draft proposals, and oversee the implementation of approved projects,” Kabir said.
He noted that the government’s commitment to the initiative is evident in the training and deployment of the staff, alongside the establishment of structures to ensure transparency and accountability.
