The Jigawa State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Umar Namadi, has approved the execution and implementation of key projects to fulfil campaign promises and advance the state’s prosperity.
The approved projects span various sectors and directly benefit residents’ socioeconomic well-being. Upon completion, they will have a lasting impact, addressing long-standing challenges in the state.
2025 Ramadan Iftar Feeding Programme Reports
During the session, the Council reviewed the report of the committee overseeing the 2025 Ramadan Iftar Feeding Programme, which was conducted across 634 centres, serving 300 individuals per centre daily. A total of 5,706,000 meals were distributed throughout Ramadan.
The report detailed preparations, implementation, successes, and challenges, along with a financial breakdown showing an expenditure of ₦4,836,546,000. Notably, the committee saved ₦301,522,210, which will be refunded to the government treasury.
The Council expressed satisfaction with the program’s impact, citing positive feedback from communities. Key outcomes include:
1. Food and Nutrition Security: Over 190,200 individuals received nutritious meals daily for 29 days, benefiting 5.5 million underprivileged citizens.
2. Boost to Local Economy – Over ₦3.5 billion food items were procured locally, supporting vendors, farmers, and traders.
3. Economic Empowerment, 3,804 cooks earned ₦87,000 each, exceeding the monthly salary of a Grade Level 07 civil servant. Sub-vendors also received a 10% markup, enhancing their income.
4. Community Unity- The initiative fostered solidarity as families shared meals in a communal setting.
The Council commended the committee, led by Hon. Dr. Lawan Yunusa Danzomo, and endorsed its continuation for the 2026 Ramadan Iftar Programme,. It also praised the Ministry for Special Duties under Hon. Auwal D. Sankara for its efforts.
Khadijah University Majia Transition Update
The Council received a progress report from the Transition Committee on Khadijah University Majia following the state government’s acquisition. Key updates include:
– Transfer of ownership at the National Universities Commission (NUC) level.
– Accreditation processes.
– Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.
– Payment of staff salaries and preparations for infrastructural development.
The Council directed the committee to collaborate with relevant agencies to expedite procurement processes for the 2025 budget allocations* ensuring the university’s smooth takeoff.
Expansion of Date Palm Production
In line with Governor Namadi’s agricultural development agenda, the Council approved ₦615,790,000 for clearing 1,042 hectares of land for date palm plantations and youth empowerment training. The project will:
– Train 5,000 youths (including women) in date palm cultivation.
– Combat desertification and alleviate poverty.
Selected Sites area:
1 Babura (142 hectares)
2 Birniwa (200 hectares)
3. Birnin Kudu (300 hectares
4 Garki (150 hectares)
5. Sule Tankarkar (100 hectares)
6. Yankwashi (150 hectares)
Recovery of Illegally Occupied Farmlands
The Committee on Retrieval of Farmland Allocations, led by SSG Malam Bala Ibrahim, reported progress in reclaiming unauthorized government lands and encroached reserves The initiative aims to:
– Enhance food security
– Promote sustainable land use
– Attract agricultural investments
The Council praised the committee’s efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to transparent land management
Nigeria for Women Program (World Bank Initiative) designed to To strengthen women’s economic empowerment Governor Namadi inaugurated a Multi-Sectoral Steering Committee for the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU) The committee comprises:
Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs – Chairperson, Commissioners of Finance, Budget, Health, Agriculture, Basic Education, Water Resources, and Local Government as Members, the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, also a Member, while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, as Secretary.
The commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports, and Culture, Hon. Sagir Musa, confirmed that all resolutions take immediate effect, in line with the Council’s weekly deliberations.
