Radda Kicks Off Second Phase Community Development With N4bn Projects

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has released N4 billion for the second phase of his administration’s Community Development Programme (CDP) to finance grassroots projects in the 361 wards of the state.

The approval was among the key decisions reached at the 12th Regular Meeting of the Katsina State Executive Council for 2026, held on Wednesday at the General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB) House, Government House, Katsina, under the chairmanship of the governor.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the commissioner for Information, Dr Bala Salisu Zango, said the council approved a number of memoranda aimed at strengthening community development, women’s empowerment, education, economic reforms and public service delivery across the state.

The coordinator of the Community Development Programme, Associate Professor Kamaladdeen Kabir, said each of the state’s 361 wards would receive N10 million to execute projects identified and prioritised by the residents.

He explained that the approval followed the implementation of the programme’s first phase and would enable Community Development Committees to continue delivering projects that directly address local needs.

Kabir said the release of the funds reflected Governor Radda’s commitment to grassroots development by giving communities the opportunity to identify and implement projects with direct impact on the lives of the people.

The council also approved the 2026 counterpart funding for the Nigeria for Women Project to support the implementation and expansion of the programme in the state. Dr. Zango said the initiative is designed to improve the livelihoods of poor and vulnerable women through economic empowerment, social inclusion and better access to financial services.

He noted that Katsina has become one of the leading states implementing the programme due to the administration’s commitment to women’s empowerment.

In the education sector, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, announced the approval of a contract for the supply and installation of Smart School Information and Communication Technology infrastructure at the newly established Model Secondary Schools in Jikamshi and Dumurkul.

According to him, the project will provide smart classrooms, interactive digital boards, campus-wide ICT facilities and other modern technologies to enhance teaching and learning.

The council further endorsed the publication of the 2025 Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP) Progress Report as part of the annual requirements under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme.

Economic Adviser Kahlil Nur Khalil said the decision demonstrates the state’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business, promoting transparency and attracting investment.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Malam Dasuki Abubakar, said the Executive 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 water tanker trucks would be deployed to supply residents of Katsina metropolis while rehabilitation and upgrading of the state waterworks continue over the next two weeks.

The approvals, according to the state government, are aimed at accelerating grassroots development, promoting inclusive economic growth, improving educational standards, strengthening governance reforms and ensuring uninterrupted access to safe water for residents.