The Special Adviser to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on Political Matters, Alhaji Ya'u Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, has commended the governor for initiating a community-driven budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
A statement made available to newsmen in Katsina, notes that this was the first time committees were set up to go round the 361 wards in the state to write down the needs and requests of the people for inclusion in the budget.
It explains that the projects requested by the communities cut across education, healthcare, agriculture, works, security, environment, and other key sectors aimed at transforming rural and urban communities in the state.
"This is the first time in the history of Katsina State when members of communities are given a chance to tell government what they want to be included in the budget. This is the best way to capturing the genuine demands of the people which promotes inclusive governance.
"It is in line with best practice in socio-economic development which adopts community driven approach, it is the system that is practised in advanced economies where government officials hold town hall meetings with the people to sample their opinions on the projects and programs they want government to carry out in their communities.
"People in communities are very happy that for the first time government has given them a voice and prioritized their own requests, and prepared a budget that will directly cater for their needs.
"This initiative truly reflects the leadership qualities of a governor with a PhD, he applies knowledge and practical models of development which has made it possible for him to fulfill his campaign promises less than two years into his tenure", Gwajo-Gwajo said.
The statement explains that education got the biggest allocation followed by healthcare, works, agriculture, enterprise development and other key components of the 'Building Your Future' agenda of the Malam Dikko Radda administration.
He said by the end of the 2026 fiscal year, each of the 361 wards in the state will get multiple projects based on their "peculiar areas of need" as reflected in the requests they made to the budget compilation committee.
Alhaji Ya'u Gwajo-Gwajo also commented the governor for setting aside 81% of the total budget for capital expenditure while recurrent expenditure got only about 19%, which reflects the resolve of the state government to minimize the cost of governance while according priority to sectors that will directly impact on the lives of the people.
"Over 80% of the budgetary provision was allocated to capital expenditure which will translate into projects spread across the key sectors of education, healthcare, agriculture, environment, enterprise development and other priority areas under the 'Building Your Future' agenda.
"I also commend members of the Katsina State House of Assembly for doing the thorough job of scrutinizing the contents of the budget and ensuring its timely passage to enable its implementation to start from January 2026", the statement said.
It urged the people of Katsina State to continue to support and cooperate with the Malam Dikko Umaru Radda administration in its desire to drive people-oriented policies and programs aimed at improving security, enhancing living standards and boosting the state's economy.
