Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has inaugurated two major committees to oversee the Community Development Programme across the state. The inauguration, which took place at the Government House Chambers, Katsina, marks what the governor described as an important step toward ensuring people-centered development.
The committees are the Programme Steering Committee, chaired by Governor Radda, and the Joint Planning Committee, to be headed by the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe. In his remarks, the governor said the committees were established to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in the execution of the programme.
“The Steering Committee will provide overall direction for the programme, ensuring it reflects the genuine needs of communities across the state. It will coordinate stakeholders, monitor progress, introduce necessary adjustments, and uphold transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness,” Governor Radda stated.
Membership of the Steering Committee includes the Commissioners for Budget and Economic Planning; Basic and Secondary Education; Agriculture and Livestock Development; Health; Rural and Social Development; Internal Security and Home Affairs; Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Finance. Others are the Special Advisers on Rural Economy, Public Service Reform, Rural and Social Development, and the State ALGON Chairman. The Programme Coordinator will serve as Secretary, while additional members may be appointed by the governor.
Governor Radda explained that the Steering Committee will ensure that community needs are captured in government budgets and will give final approvals for projects under the programme.
He also announced the Joint Planning Committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe. Members of this committee include the Commissioners for Budget and Planning, Finance, and Local Government Affairs; six Local Government Chairmen drawn from the three senatorial zones; the Chairman of the National Association of Councillors Forum; and the State Chairman of ALGON. The Programme Coordinator will also serve as Secretary.
According to the governor, “The Joint Planning Committee will focus on planning and implementing projects. It will harmonize the efforts of the state and local governments with community priorities, improve resource utilization, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and monitor project outcomes. It will also approve local government budget contributions to the programme.”
Governor Radda directed both committees to begin work immediately. He handed them documented project outlines to guide budget planning and programme execution, stressing that the committees were essential in driving development that is transparent and accountable.
Responding on behalf of the members, the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe, pledged that the committee would carry out its responsibilities with integrity and commitment. “Even before the formal inauguration, we had already begun aligning our work with the Governor’s vision and aspirations,” he said.
The event was attended by all 34 Local Government Chairmen, senior government officials, and other key stakeholders.