Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, received a massive reception in Kurfi Local Government Area as he launched a wide empowerment programme designed to support thousands of residents. The event drew community members, local leaders, and political figures who hailed the initiative as a major boost to grassroots development. Governor Radda praised the people of Kurfi for their loyalty and hospitality, stressing that their unwavering support continues to strengthen the relationship between government and the community.
“Kurfi has given us a very warm reception. We appreciate this,” the Governor said. “During the campaign, we came here seeking your votes, and by Allah’s will, you gave us your mandate. Now that we have spent almost two and a half years in office, we felt it necessary to return to the people who supported us.” He reminded residents that his administration is focused on touching every ward, adding that the impressive turnout reflects the confidence people have in government programmes.
The empowerment project was organised under the leadership of the Executive Chairman of Kurfi Local Government, Hon. Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi, and is part of the 2025 Business Empowerment Programme. The distribution included an extensive list of support items for youths, women, community leaders, government workers, and vulnerable households. Five Peugeot 206 vehicles were presented to selected councillors, while two modern health vehicles were allocated to General Hospital Kurfi and CHC Kurfi. Another 100 vehicles were shared among supervisory councillors, L.E.A staff, the Office of the Judge, E-Birth Registrars, NUT members, health workers, NULGE officials, APC chairmen, and youths.
The programme further provided 1,000 bicycles for Rumfa members and LGA staff, 1,000 pasta machines, 1,000 bags of foodstuff for women, and 250 sewing bicycles for women leaders and youths. Small business operators such as tea vendors and food sellers received 1,000 packs of noodles and 1,000 crates of eggs. Cash support ranging from ₦150 to ₦4,000 was also shared among beneficiaries. Overall, 3,445 residents of Kurfi Local Government Area are expected to benefit from the initiative.
Governor Radda also acknowledged the contributions of the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Scholarship Board, Dr. Aminu Tsaari, who supported schools and pupils in the LGA with 5,000 exercise books, 200 cartons of chalk, 50 school uniforms, 50 pairs of sandals with socks, and ₦1.5 million. The Governor used the platform to highlight the achievements of his administration state-wide. “In Katsina today, we have executed projects in every one of the 361 wards. There is no polling unit that has not felt the presence of government,” he said.
He commended Hon. Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi for aligning local government priorities with state development strategies and ensuring no resident is left behind. “The Chairman is following our example. He has not left anyone behind in Kurfi’s empowerment programmes,” he said. Radda encouraged the community to remain united and cooperative, as this would attract more development to the area.
The Governor explained that his visit was aimed at interacting with district heads, ward leaders, stakeholders, political party executives, business groups, and organisations in order to deepen grassroots engagement and listen to local concerns. Responding to appeals from traditional and community leaders, Governor Radda gave several assurances. He confirmed that Kurfi is among the frontline beneficiaries of the Zobe Water Project. “Very soon, you will begin to enjoy this service,” he said.
On the Birchi–Wurma 7km road project, he revealed discussions with federal representatives. “I have discussed it with your member at the National Assembly. He has promised to include it in the 2026 Federal Constituency Projects. Insha Allah, it will take off next year,” he stated. He added that rehabilitation of the Mai Mani Dam is expected to commence by February, noting that it is already included in government plans. He also disclosed that several locally developed proposals have been handed over to the LGA Chairman for implementation.
Governor Radda described Kurfi as “a centre of education, blessed with prominent personalities and respected community leaders across Nigeria,” and expressed sympathy over past insecurity challenges. “We sympathize with the people of Kurfi over the security challenges you have faced. We have worked hard to stabilize these areas, and we will continue to do more,” he said.
Former Katsina Central Senator and Chairman of the Kurfi Stakeholders’ Forum, Senator Abdullahi Kabir Barkiya, praised the Governor’s visit as “a mark of respect and solidarity” and applauded developmental efforts across the state. “We want to assure His Excellency that the people of Kurfi are fully behind him at every stage. We have seen real change here,” he said.
In his welcome address, Hon. Abdullahi Babangida Kurfi thanked the Governor for his mentorship, recalling his entry into politics. “I thank His Excellency, the Governor, who brought me into politics barely six months ago,” he said. He explained that the Governor’s trust in local government autonomy allowed Kurfi to empower residents. He reaffirmed community loyalty and prayed for lasting peace. “We support you wholeheartedly, and we pray to Allah to bring an end to insecurity in Katsina State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
The Governor was accompanied by key political figures, including the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon Nasir Yahya Daura, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, Former Governor Barrister Ibrahim Shehu Shema, Member representing Dutsinma/Kurfi Federal Constituency Hon Aminu Balele Dan Arewà, and Member representing Dutsi/Mashi Federal Constituency Hon Yusuf Majigiri. Also present were the Chief of Staff Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, Principal Private Secretary Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, and members of the Katsina State Executive Council, among other dignitaries.
