Radda Approves Solar Lighting For Tsangaya Schools

Katsina State governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved the installation of solar-powered lighting in Tsangaya schools in the state’s 361 wards.

He also awarded a contract to construct 2,000 standardised kiosks to support small-scale businesses in all the state’s 34 local government areas.

The approvals were among key decisions taken during the 9th regular meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) for 2026 held on Wednesday at the Upper Chamber of General Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina.

The special adviser on Power and Energy, Dr Hafiz Ahmed, said the council approved the procurement and installation of 30 solar-powered lights in Tsangaya schools across the state’s 361 wards.

The meeting was presided over by Governor Radda as part of efforts to improve education, boost economic opportunities and strengthen climate-responsive governance.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the commissioner for Information, Dr Bala Salisu Zango, said the approvals reflected the administration’s commitment to people-centred policies and advancing its development agenda.

He noted that the interventions were designed to improve residents’ quality of life while promoting sustainable growth across key sectors.

According to him, the initiative aims to improve learning conditions within the Almajiri education system, particularly during evening hours, while enhancing safety and access to education.

Ahmed said the project would create a more conducive learning environment for pupils and support ongoing efforts to modernise and integrate the Almajiri education system into the state’s broader educational framework.

He added that the intervention aligns with the government’s commitment to improving educational outcomes through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Dr Babangida Ruma, announced that the council approved the award of a contract for the fabrication and installation of 2,000 standardised modular kiosks under the Katsina Road Corridor Enterprise Infrastructure Programme.

Ruma explained that the kiosks would replace makeshift roadside structures currently used by nano and micro businesses, providing safer, more durable, and organised trading spaces.

He said the kiosks would be built with galvanised steel frames, reinforced structures, lockable doors, and proper ventilation to ensure security and durability for business operators.

According to him, the initiative will not only improve the aesthetic appearance of urban corridors but also strengthen small business resilience, stimulate local economic activity, and create a more organised business environment across the state.

In another major decision, the council approved the adoption and institutionalisation of Climate Change Budget Tagging across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Government Councils. Ahmed said the policy would apply to all climate-related programmes, projects, procurement processes, and public expenditures.

He noted that the reform would enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public financial management while strengthening the state’s response to climate change. The initiative, he said, is expected to improve agricultural productivity, support sustainable water resource management, and boost socio-economic resilience across various sectors.

Ahmed further recalled Governor Radda’s participation at the ChangeNOW 2026 Summit in Paris, France, where he became the first Nigerian leader to deliver a keynote address at the global event.

During the summit, the governor highlighted Katsina’s climate transformation efforts and renewable energy initiatives, including plans to revitalise the Lambar Rimi Wind Farm.