Hunger protest: Engage in dialogue with FG, Katsina urges youths, women

The Acting Governor of Katsina State, Farouk Jobe, on Saturday, appealed to residents, particularly the youth, students, market women, and members of trade unions, to engage in constructive dialogue with the Federal Government rather than joining the looming nationwide protest.

Jobe assured the youth, students, and market women of initiatives coming their way, which he said would mitigate the hardships of citizens.

These, Jobe said, include the establishment of a ₦10 billion MSME Growth Fund to support local businesses, the creation of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency, and Common Facility Centres across the three Senatorial Districts, focusing on tailoring, leatherwork, packaging, agricultural processing, and ICT.

“I understand the frustrations stemming from the current economic challenges; however, I want to assure you that our administration has been working tirelessly to implement measures that will alleviate these hardships and create opportunities for all Katsina residents.

“This fund includes various components such as a ₦4 billion Matching Fund with BOI for single-digit interest rate loans, a ₦1 billion managed fund with BOI partly for grants to nano businesses, a ₦1 billion Matching Fund with SMEDAN and Sterling Bank, and a ₦4 billion Export Facilitation Matching Fund with Nexim Bank.

“We have also created the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency to provide crucial support to our local entrepreneurs,” Jobe assured.

Speaking further, the acting governor said, “In addition, we are developing Common Facility Centres in all three Senatorial Districts, focusing on tailoring, leatherwork, packaging, agricultural processing, and ICT. We have renovated and upgraded the Katsina Industrial Development Centre and resuscitated the Katsina Youth Craft Village for skills acquisition. Our launch of the Dikko BDS Corp will provide essential business advisory services to our budding entrepreneurs.”

Similarly, he explained that the state has implemented an MSME Census and Survey to guide its future interventions, while also establishing the Katsina Employability Project to enhance job opportunities.

“We have also created a ₦542 million Victims Support Matching Livelihood Fund in collaboration with UNDP to assist those affected by security challenges. Our training programmes for 3,000 youth mechanic apprentices and 10,000 women across all local government areas are already underway, equipping our people with valuable skills for the future.

“These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the lives of all Katsina residents,” Jobe stated.

Jobe further explained that the present administration is laying the groundwork for a more prosperous future, hence there is a need for patience and cooperation from all and sundry for development to thrive in Katsina.

The acting governor again urged citizens to channel their energies into productive endeavours and to take advantage of the opportunities being created.

“Let us work together to build the Katsina State we all desire. Your government is listening and acting. We invite you to be part of the solution.

“My dear people of Katsina, we are at a crucial juncture in our state’s history. The challenges we face are significant, but so are the opportunities before us. I call upon each one of you – our vibrant youth, our hardworking market women, our dedicated union members, and every resident of Katsina – to join hands with us in lifting our state forward. Your energy, your ideas, and your commitment are invaluable assets in our journey towards prosperity.

“Instead of protesting, I urge you to engage with these initiatives we’ve put in place. Visit KASEDA, explore the training programmes, and see how you can benefit from the MSME Growth Fund. Let us transform our frustrations into motivation for positive change. Together, we can build a peaceful, prosperous Katsina that will be the envy of the nation. The future of Katsina is in our hands, and I believe in our collective power to shape it for the better. Let peace reign as we work unitedly for the progress of our beloved state,” Jobe appealed