Katsina releases N3bn for community development, each ward gets N10m

Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Radda, has announced the release of N3 billion to kickstart the Community Development Programme across all 361 electoral wards of the state.

This was contained in a statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, issued to newsmen on Monday in Katsina.
Radda made this announcement during a two-day sensitisation programme for Local Government Chairmen at Comfort Hub Hotel in Kano State.

In his keynote address, Radda unveiled plans to establish ward-level accounts with N10 million each, while emphasising community ownership of local infrastructure projects.

The statement read in part: “The Governor noted that the initiative will utilise existing television viewing centres as coordinating offices. He added that the community development committees will submit project proposals before funding is released.

“This programme represents our commitment to grassroots development and transparent governance.

“We are also investing in agricultural sustainability with the procurement of six tube well drilling machines and dredging equipment to support year-round farming activities.

“The Governor, however, assured committees that the State Government would remain steadfast in providing necessary support through finances, technical expertise, and capacity-building opportunities.

“Governor Radda also directed the creation of a bilingual website to document the history of the Community Development Programme from its inception to date, with the documented information to be available in both English and Hausa for the benefit of those willing to learn more about the initiative.”

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bashir Gambo, noted that the programme aims to empower communities to identify and prioritise their development needs.

Gambo urged council chairmen to actively participate in the implementation of the Community Development Programme.

The Programme Consultant, Dr. Haruna Abba, outlined the CDP’s objectives, stressing its role in promoting inclusive governance and responsive government intervention.

Abba added that the programme would serve all community members, regardless of political affiliation, particularly in annual budget considerations.

According to the statement, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Engr. Bello Lawal, also contributed. He said the workshop would equip the Local Government Chairmen with the processes and procedures of the community development programme in the state.

Lawal, who also serves as the Chairman of Kaita Local Government Area of Katsina State, added that the CDP would simplify service delivery to the people and allow residents to decide on critical projects and needs for government action.