*Katsina: Security forces rescue 3 kidnapped victims in Mabai
*Governor Radda salutes police officers for winning national awards
By Maduabuchi Nmerbeh/Katsina
Katsina state Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has committed N4 billion for the economic empowerment of 800,000 women across the state.
The fund was released by Governor Radda to support women-focused economic programmes in Katsina state, through the 2025 budgetary allocations.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, hailed Governor Radda’s gesture, describing it as the best therapy to better the lives of women in the state.
Governor Radda made this known during his participation at the North West Scale-Up Summit of the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP).
The summit brought together stakeholders from across the region, including Commissioners for Women Affairs from Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Gombe, and Jigawa states.
Senior federal officials, traditional leaders, representatives of development partners, and women leaders from grassroots organisations were also present at the summit.
Governor Radda emphasised that the Nigeria for Women Project is more than just a policy, “it is a transformative grassroots movement built on dignity, inclusion, and resilience.”
The Governor revealed that over 800,000 women in Katsina are expected to benefit from the expanded implementation of the project, which currently operates in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua Local Government Areas of Katsina state.
“This will be achieved through the formation of Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), access to microcredit, entrepreneurship training, and community-based cooperatives,” Governor Radda said.
Governor Radda added that Katsina State will match the existing World Bank funding to scale the project across all 34 Local Government Areas in the state.
He noted that, “this commitment is backed by the allocation of ₦4 billion in the 2025 budget to support women-focused economic programmes, along with the creation of gender desks in every local government.
“Our women are not waiting to be helped. They are already leading the change. We are simply giving them the platform.”
In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, described the Nigeria for Women Project as the most coordinated and impactful gender equity initiative ever implemented in Nigeria.
The Minister praised Governor Radda’s administration for its vision and budgetary commitments, noting that Katsina has become a reference point for inclusive governance.
“From the ₦1 billion budgeted to tackle gender-based violence to the 34 functional Women Affairs offices across the state, Katsina has demonstrated what real commitment looks like,” the Minister said.
In a goodwill message on behalf of the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Michael highlighted the broader economic potential of women’s inclusion.
He stated that, “Nigeria stands to gain between $9 billion and $27 billion in GDP growth by removing barriers to women’s full participation in the economy.”
He also confirmed that the Nigeria for Women Project is the largest platform of its kind on the African continent.
Also speaking, Katsina State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar Yar’adua, used the occasion to advocate for more inclusive financing mechanisms and tailored support for women in vulnerable communities.
“Our women do not lack discipline—they lack access and opportunity,” she stressed.
She called on policymakers and financial institutions to prioritise the needs of widows, women with disabilities, and rural entrepreneurs.
The summit concluded with renewed pledges from participating states and development partners to collaborate, share best practices, and commit to concrete actions that will expand opportunities for women.
Katsina: Security forces rescue 3 kidnapped victims in Mabai
Security forces have rescued three kidnapped victims from bandits, at the Mabai area of Katsina state.
The operation was carried out by the troops of Forward Operation Base (FOB) in the Mabai area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, who stated this on Wednesday, conveyed the state government’s appreciation to FOB for the successful operation.
Mua’zu hinted that: “Following a distress call received at approximately 7:00 a.m from Anguwan Kasale village, the security forces immediately mobilized to respond to reports of three individuals found in the bush with their hands and legs bound in chains.”
According to him, the swift response of the troops led to the successful rescue of the victims, who have been identified as Mr. Umar Isa (27), Mr. Abdulrahman Sa’ada (28), and Mr. Usman Auwal (60).
The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and will be transported to Kankara Local Government Area for the removal of their restraints before being handed over to the Local Government authorities for further necessary action and support.
Mua’zu further stated that: “This successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of our security architecture and the dedication of our security personnel to protecting the lives and property of Katsina state residents.
“I want to assure all residents of Katsina State that the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, remains strongly committed to ensuring the safety and security of every citizen.
“We continue to strengthen our security strategies and maintain close coordination with all security agencies to combat criminal activities and protect our communities.
“We encourage residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies to enable swift responses to security challenges.
“The government extends its gratitude to the security operatives for their professionalism and swift action in this rescue operation.”
Governor Radda salutes police officers for winning national awards.
Katsina state Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has saluted two officers from Katsina state Police Command for winning national awards, as a result of their gallantry and dedication to duty.
The Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Katsina State, Bello Shehu, led a team of senior officers to the Government House, Katsina, to present two police officers from the command who recently won awards.
One of the awards, Divisional Police Officer of the Year, was received by Superintendent Garba Ibrahim, who heads the Jibia Division, a tough border area with major security challenges.
His strong leadership earned him the honour at the 2024 Nigeria Police Force Awards held earlier this month in Abuja.
Also recognised was CSP Isiyaku Suleiman, who came second for the Gallantry Award of the Year.
The recognition of these two officers speaks highly of the bravery and dedication of officers and men of the Katsina Police Command.
While receiving the Commissioner of Police and the two recipients in his office on Tuesday, Governor Radda praised their efforts, calling the recognitions a proud moment for the state.
He said the awards reflect the discipline, courage, and commitment of the Katsina Police Command.
“These honours are a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our officers. They speak to the resilience of our institutions and the determination of those who serve on the frontlines.
“I am proud of your service. Katsina is proud of you,” the Governor said.
The Governor also noted that such progress comes through teamwork between the government and security agencies.
Joining the Commissioner of Police on the visit were Deputy Commissioner of Police, Aminu Usman Gusau, and the Director of State Security Services (DSS), Musa Mohammed Yankari and the State’s Police Spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq.