Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, yesterday declared open the National Retreat of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program, hosted in Katsina. The event brought together lawmakers, program managers, and stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond to discuss strategies for strengthening social protection systems and promoting sustainable development.
Speaking at the opening, Governor Radda said, “We are proud to host this important national event, which brings together lawmakers, program managers, and critical stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond. The retreat reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the country’s social protection systems and advancing inclusive, sustainable development.”
The two-day retreat, themed “Building a Sustainable NG-CARES Program: The Role of the National Assembly,” highlighted the central role of the legislature in ensuring the long-term success of the initiative. The governor explained that Katsina State has made deliberate and strategic efforts to improve the welfare of vulnerable citizens through the KT-CARES program.
“In my address, I highlighted the deliberate and strategic efforts we have undertaken in Katsina to improve the welfare of our people, especially the most vulnerable. Through the KT-CARES program, we have recorded significant progress in enhancing livelihoods, empowering communities, and building resilience,” Radda stated.
Governor Radda revealed that more than N100 billion has been invested in social protection programs in the state. He said these funds have supported interventions across three core result areas, including the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), FADAMA, and the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA).
He emphasized that the NG-CARES initiative has transformed lives and revitalized rural economies. “From Dankama to Damari, NG-CARES has transformed lives, revitalized rural economies, and reinforced our state’s commitment to inclusive growth and social protection. Katsina is now recognized as a leading example in the implementation of NG-CARES program nationwide,” he said.
The governor encouraged participants to take advantage of the retreat by exchanging ideas and offering practical solutions for better implementation. He also called on the National Assembly to go beyond oversight roles and focus on shaping policies, mobilizing resources, and ensuring the sustainability of NG-CARES.
