Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering women and vulnerable groups in the state.
The Governor made this known while speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Katsina State Coalition of Women Organizations’ Skills Acquisition Initiative, held at the Local Government Service Commission Hall.
Governor Radda described the programme as “a service to humanity.” He praised the Coalition for training 1,050 women across 11 departments in different small-scale businesses over the past eight months. He urged the graduates to remain disciplined and focused in running their businesses, stressing that entrepreneurship remains one of the most reliable paths to success.
“The small start you are given today can grow into something much greater tomorrow,” the Governor said.
To strengthen the initiative, he announced an additional ₦21 million intervention from the state government. He assured that this was only the beginning, adding that his administration would continue to support women, youths, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Katsina State.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Coalition, Binta Dangani, highlighted the wide impact of the empowerment programme. She explained that apart from the 1,050 women trained and certified, five outstanding women from each of the 11 departments received ₦10,000 each as start-up capital.
She further disclosed that the project also extended its reach beyond women participants. Fifty almajirai received uniforms and study materials and were enrolled in school; 50 orphaned children received school uniforms; and 220 married women in Islamiya classes participated in lectures focused on strengthening family and marriage life.
Dangani appealed to the Governor for support in completing the Coalition’s Islamiya school, which currently has only a fence and partially built classrooms. She expressed gratitude for the government’s continuous support, noting that many beneficiaries were IDPs who now have renewed opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity.
In recognition of his dedication to women and youth development, the Coalition presented Governor Radda with the Award of Excellence in Leadership for Women and Youth Development, handed over by Coordinator Binta Dangani and members of the Coalition.
Also delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Katsina State Hisbah Board, Abu Ammar, urged parents to take advantage of empowerment opportunities to instill good morals in their children. He appealed to women who beg on the streets to abandon the practice and instead embrace self-reliance through initiatives like this.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials including the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Musa Adamu; a member of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Albaba; community leaders; and hundreds of beneficiaries. Attendees commended both the Coalition and Governor Radda for their efforts in strengthening empowerment programmes across the state.