Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has flagged off a ₦1.586 billion mega empowerment programme for residents of Katsina Central Senatorial District, in an intervention positioned to address economic hardship and expand livelihood opportunities across the state.
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Nigeria Startup News reports on Sunday that the programme, sponsored by the Senator representing Katsina Central, Abdul’aziz Musa Yar’adua, was launched at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, where a wide range of empowerment tools and support materials were distributed to beneficiaries drawn from 11 local government areas.
Items distributed include 40 vehicles, five ambulances, ₦150 million in cash support, 410 motorcycles, 200 tricycles, 400 sewing machines, 400 grinding machines, 100 bicycles, and refrigerators, among other items aimed at supporting small-scale businesses and boosting income generation at the grassroots.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Radda described the initiative as a practical demonstration of responsive leadership, noting that targeted empowerment remains critical in addressing prevailing economic challenges. He said the intervention would directly strengthen local economic activities while improving living standards in beneficiary communities.
“This programme covers 11 local government areas, and it demonstrates a deep commitment to grassroots development. It is a commendable effort considering the scale of the intervention,” he said.
The Governor disclosed that he had been aware of the programme ahead of its launch and had expressed strong interest in its implementation, citing the urgency of support required by citizens.
“When the Senator informed me about this programme, I asked him when it would take place because I understand the urgent needs of our people and the importance of such support,” he stated.
Radda also expressed confidence in the Senator’s leadership capacity, referencing his family’s political background and longstanding contributions to national development.
“You come from a family with a rich political history. Your late father served as a minister, and your brother was once President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You therefore have every right and the foundation to be in politics, and I assure you of my full support,” he said.
He further acknowledged the role of past leaders in shaping the state’s political structure, noting that many current actors benefitted from their legacy.
“Many of us in politics today benefitted from the goodwill and foundation laid by the late Shehu Musa Yar’adua and later Umaru Musa Yar’adua. Based on this, we stand firmly behind the Senator,” Radda added.
Earlier, Senator Yar’adua described the programme as a fulfilment of his commitment to his constituents, stating that it reflects ongoing efforts to deliver tangible impact beyond legislative duties. He noted that he has sponsored five bills since assuming office, with a focus on addressing security challenges and issues affecting border communities.
“Among the bills I presented, the foremost addresses security challenges affecting our people. I also sponsored a bill addressing customs-related issues, particularly those affecting border communities like Jibia,” he said.
The Senator reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining similar empowerment initiatives across the senatorial district as part of broader development efforts.
Also speaking, Katsina State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bashir Gambo Saulawa, commended the initiative and called on other political office holders to adopt similar interventions.
“We appreciate the Senator for this empowerment. It strengthens trust between leaders and the people. We urge other politicians to follow this example,” he said, while also urging party members to remain loyal and recognise contributions made to the growth of the APC.
The event was attended by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, members of the State Executive Council, local government chairmen from Katsina Central Zone, lawmakers, and other senior government officials.
