*Gifts vehicles to outstanding students
* Inaugurates DDR, peace , security committee
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina
The Katsina State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved several major projects and programmes aimed at developing human capital and strengthening critical infrastructure across the state.
The approvals emerged from the 8th Regular Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday, at the General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB ) House, Katsina.
The outcome of the Council meeting was revealed during a press briefing presided by the state Commissioner of Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Bashir Tanimu Gambo, announced the approval of a special merit-based scholarship programme for the top 50 overall best students in each of the 34 Local Government Areas.
“The package includes complete payment of tuition and other fees, as well as yearly stipend for eligible candidates. This scholarship ensures that talented students have the opportunity to further their studies without financial constraint,” Commissioner Gambo stated.
The State Executive Secretary of the Scholarship Board, Dr. Aminu Salisu, noted that the initiative targets removing financial barriers to education, especially for citizens from low income families.
The Council enrolled an additional 361 candidate trainees in the second batch of the Dikko Radda Agripreneurship Training and Empowerment Scheme at Makera Songhai Training Center, Dutsin-ma.
The training programme builds youth capacity in innovative integrated agricultural systems, crop production, livestock, aquaculture, agro-processing, and agri-business development.
Similarly, the Council awarded a contract for completion of the new Modern Pump House and associated accessories at Ajiwa Water Works.
The project aims to restore pumping capacity and boost water supply to Katsina metropolis and surrounding communities.
In the same vein, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Surajo Yazid Abukur, announced major sports developments.
“The Council approved Phase III of the Charanchi Township Stadium, which includes construction of a standard football pitch, stone-base course, multi-purpose indoor sports hall, and Type B pavilion. This will transform the stadium into a modern sporting centre,” Commissioner Abukur said.
He added that the Council also approved installation of lead-free FIFA Quality Pro-Generation Hybrid Synthetic Grass at Malumfashi and Funtua Township Stadiums.
“These projects will transform the two stadiums to international standards and enhance the spirit of sportsmanship among our youth,” Commissioner Abukur stated.
Professor Saifulahi Sani, Statistician General of Katsina State, presented the adoption and dissemination of the General Household Survey (GHS), 2025.
“The survey will serve as statewide baseline data for implementing result-based integrated rural transformation models. It will address data deficiency that has affected strategic planning in various MDAs and among development partners,” Professor Sani explained.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed , noted that:: “Governor Radda-led administration has continued to demonstrate its commitment to delivering the Building Your Future agenda promises, focusing on youth empowerment, education access, infrastructure modernization, and data-driven planning for sustainable development across Katsina state.”
Governor Radda gifts vehicles to outstanding students
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has rewarded two outstanding graduating students of the Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management (KSITM) with brand new vehicles.
The presentation took place at the Government House, Katsina.
It will be recalled that Governor Radda had earlier promised the reward—vehicles as well as permanent and pensionable employment—during the institution’s convocation ceremony held on April 28, 2026.
The beneficiaries are Ibrahim Mai Nasara Bugaje of the Department of Networking and System Security, who graduated with an impressive CGPA of 4.92, and Aisha Isiaku of the Department of Computer Software Engineering, who earned a CGPA of 4.75, emerging as the overall best graduating students of the institution.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda congratulated the students on their remarkable achievements and urged them to remain committed to contributing positively to the development of Katsina State and Nigeria at large.
“I congratulate the two of you for reaching this important milestone.
“I hope you will continue to be beneficial to the state, put more effort into its development, and inspire younger generations to follow in your footsteps,”. Governor Radda said.
The Governor described the gesture as a fulfillment of his administration’s promise to reward academic excellence and encourage hard work among students.
“This is a promise fulfilled, and we thank Almighty God for granting us the opportunity to do so.
“We also appreciate the parents for their guidance, support, and mentorship, as well as the Institute of Technology and Management for the quality training and education provided to these students,” he stated.
Governor Radda concluded by expressing appreciation and offering prayers for the continued success of the beneficiaries.
In his remarks, the Head of Service, Alhaji Falalu Bawale, formally presented the outstanding students to the Governor, recalling the institution’s recent convocation ceremony held on April 28, 2026.
“Among the graduates, we have exceptional students who distinguished themselves with outstanding academic performance,” he said.
He noted that the presentation was in fulfillment of the government’s tradition of recognizing and rewarding academic excellence.
“Your Excellency, as you promised, today we are here to fulfill that promise by presenting and handing over the keys of the two vehicles to these outstanding students,” Bawale stated.
“This is in line with our tradition of recognizing and rewarding excellence. We have consistently done this for best graduating students, and today is no exception.” he concluded.
The event was attended by the Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, members of the Katsina State Executive Council, top government officials, and the management of the institution.
Radda inaugurates DDR, peace , security committee
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has inaugurated the State Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR), Peace and Security Committee under the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Red Chamber, Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina.
The initiative follows the National Policy Framework developed after consultations convened by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the United Kingdom Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (UK-SPRING) Programme across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Governor Radda explained that the initiative is part of a nationwide strategy aimed at promoting sustainable peace and stability through community-driven and coordinated interventions.
“This programme has been launched across all six geopolitical zones of the country to ensure sustainable peace and development in Nigeria,” the Governor stated.
He noted that Katsina State was selected as one of the pilot states due to its commitment to community engagement and non-kinetic security strategies.
“Katsina State was selected in recognition of its consistent efforts in community-driven security engagement and its adoption of non-violent approaches in addressing insecurity,” he added.
Governor Radda further explained that the National Counter Terrorism Centre, in collaboration with UK-SPRING, developed the national framework, which requires each state to establish a dedicated committee for implementation.
The committee comprises the Secretary to the State Government as Chairman; the Honourable Attorney General of the State; Commissioners for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Agriculture, and Youth and Sports Development; the Special Adviser on Community Security Watch; and the State Commandant of the Community Security Watch Corps.
Other members include the Executive Secretary of SEMA; the Executive Director of the Katsina State Development Management Board; the Chairman of the House Committee on Security; representatives of the Nigeria Police Force; representatives of Katsina and Daura Emirate Councils; the Council of Ulama; and Civil Society Organizations, while the Governor’s Office (MISHA) serves as Secretariat.
He outlined the terms of reference of the committee to include advising the State Government and Security Council on disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration, peacebuilding, and security coordination.
“The committee is also mandated to oversee the profiling, screening, rehabilitation, and reintegration of individuals and groups willing to renounce violence and embrace peaceful coexistence,” the Governor said.
He further charged the committee to submit periodic reports and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in carrying out its assignment.
Governor Radda urges members to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and commitment to lasting peace in the state.
The Chairman of the Committee and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari, expressed appreciation to the Governor for the confidence reposed in the members.
He commended the collaboration between the National Counter Terrorism Centre, UK-SPRING Programme, and DDR experts in supporting the initiative.
He further pledged the committee’s commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to its terms of reference in delivering sustainable peace outcomes.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Faruk Lawal; the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; and other top government officials.
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