…Welcomes Decampees to APC, Reaffirms Commitment to Local Government Autonomy
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering rural communities, strengthening local government autonomy, and expanding economic opportunities through grassroots-based initiatives across the state.
Governor Radda stated this on Thursday while flagging off a series of multi-million-naira empowerment programmes in Kankia, Ingawa, and Kusada Local Government Areas — all fully funded by the respective local government councils.
He said the programmes were designed to support small-scale business owners, women, and youths with tools, training, and financial support aimed at promoting self-reliance, reducing poverty, and stimulating economic growth at the grassroots.
In Kankia, the Governor flagged off the distribution of empowerment materials worth hundreds of millions of naira under an initiative of the Kankia Local Government Council, led by Hon. Lawal Abubakar Gezzy.
Items distributed included sewing machines, 100 grinding machines, 30 motorcycles, four operational vehicles, six cows, and ₦50,000 cash support for 50 beneficiaries from different communities.
Governor Radda commended Hon. Gezzy for his transparency and people-oriented leadership, describing the initiative as a model of responsible grassroots governance.
He announced that the Kankia Earth Dam, which caused flooding last year, would be included for total renovation in the 2026 State Budget. The Kankia General Hospital, he added, would also benefit from the ongoing statewide renovation of healthcare facilities, while the town’s Jumaat Mosque is slated for repair next year.
The Governor further pledged continued support for vigilante groups and community volunteers through training and provision of working tools to enhance local security.
Hon. Gezzy, in his remarks, thanked the Governor for ensuring local government autonomy, which he said had strengthened accountability and accelerated rural development.
In Ingawa, Governor Radda launched another multi-million-naira empowerment programme sponsored by the Ingawa Local Government Council, under the leadership of Hon. Abubakar Idris (02).
Distributed items included ₦40 million in cash support, 27 motorcycles, 100 sewing machines, and 100 grinding machines.
Radda praised Hon. Idris for his prudent management of council resources and transparency, describing the programme’s success as proof that financial independence at the local level can transform lives directly.
He revealed that the state government would soon review and rehabilitate the Ingawa Earth Dam to promote irrigation farming and improve food security.
The event attracted top dignitaries including the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Mustapha Kanti Bello; Engr. Sani Magaji Ingawa; National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD, Jabiru Salisu Tsauri; and the Member representing Ingawa Constituency in the State Assembly.
In Kusada, Governor Radda again demonstrated his administration’s grassroots focus by launching another empowerment initiative funded by the Kusada Local Government Council, chaired by Hon. Sani Aminu Dangamau.
Items distributed included ₦30 million in cash support, 100 sewing machines, 100 grinding machines, and seven vehicles for official and community use.
Addressing a large crowd of residents, Radda described the empowerment drive as a reflection of his belief that real development begins at the grassroots.
“This initiative will help many women and youths to start productive ventures,” he said. “We will continue to empower our local governments because that is where development truly begins.”
The Governor also assured residents that ongoing road projects linking Kusada to neighbouring communities were nearing completion and would soon be commissioned to boost trade and connectivity.
The Kusada event also witnessed the defection of prominent figures from opposition parties — including the PDP, APGA, and PRP — to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They pledged loyalty to Governor Radda’s leadership and the ruling party.
APC Deputy State Chairman, Alhaji Bala Abu Musawa, who attended all three flag-offs, commended the Governor for his inclusive and people-focused leadership. He said the numerous appointments of sons and daughters of Kankia, Ingawa, and Kusada reflected fairness and balanced governance.
Other speakers — including APC National Legal Adviser, Barrister Murtala Aliyu Kankia; Hon. Salisu Hamza Rimaye, Member representing Kankia Constituency; and several traditional rulers — praised Governor Radda for his efforts in strengthening security, empowering citizens, and transforming Katsina State.
By Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
31 October 2025
