Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has inaugurated the 34 Local Government Coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP) to drive the registration and support of beneficiaries across the state’s 361 wards.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Government House in Katsina, was attended by council chairmen, members of the State Assembly, Renewed Hope Ambassadors, party stakeholders, government officials, and other dignitaries.
Under the programme, 1,000 beneficiaries are expected to be registered in each ward, with ₦50,000 grants to be disbursed in phases to support small and medium-scale businesses.
Governor Radda described the initiative as a key intervention of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at stimulating grassroots economic growth and supporting businesses across various sectors.
“The Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme was introduced to support small and medium enterprises across various sectors. It is meant to inject capital into businesses, stimulate growth, and create job opportunities, especially in rural communities,” the Governor said.
He explained that the programme is coordinated nationally under a structure involving the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, with governors serving as zonal coordinators in the six geopolitical zones.
“In the North-West, I have the responsibility of serving as the zonal coordinator. This arrangement ensures proper direction, coordination, and effective implementation of the programme across the country,” he stated.
Governor Radda said the initiative has two main components, one political and the other administrative, stressing the need for both to work together.
“The Renewed Hope Ambassadors are responsible for political mobilisation, while the Ward Development Programme delivers direct economic support to the people. Both structures must work together because the success of one depends on the other,” he said.
He urged the newly inaugurated coordinators to work closely with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in their respective local governments.
“You must work hand in hand with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors. They will guide you on the categories of beneficiaries, and after the support is delivered, they will maintain engagement with those beneficiaries. This cooperation is essential for the success of the programme,” the Governor stressed.
Governor Radda expressed confidence in the choice of coordinators, noting that many of them are individuals he knows personally and trusts.
“I am satisfied with the choices made. Many of you are people I know and trust. But the task before you is not a small one. You must justify the confidence reposed in you,” he said.
He disclosed that Katsina State is expected to register at least 1,000 beneficiaries per ward but admitted that the state is currently behind some others in the registration process.
“Some states have already recorded hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries. We cannot afford to be left behind. You must work day and night to ensure that people in your local governments benefit from this initiative,” he warned.
The Governor added that registration procedures have been simplified, particularly with the requirement for National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers. He urged coordinators to encourage residents to obtain the necessary documentation.
“Many of our people already have their NIN and BVN. You must push for more registrations so that our citizens can benefit from this important national programme,” he said.
Governor Radda made it clear that each coordinator would be accountable for the performance of his local government.
“With this inauguration, we expect rapid progress. If any local government is left behind, the people will know who to hold accountable, because each of you is responsible for ensuring that your area is fully represented,” he said.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme in Katsina, who also serves as Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, said the initiative was designed to tackle poverty at the grassroots and strengthen local economies.
He explained that the programme was initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to empower between 1,000 and 2,000 individuals in each political ward across the country.
“These interventions will focus on agriculture, food processing, trading, and mining, with grants provided to stimulate production and strengthen household incomes at the community level,” he said.
Nasir noted that at least 1,000 beneficiaries per ward would receive ₦50,000 grants in three phases, adding that the programme is expected to reach about 10 million beneficiaries nationwide.
He further explained that the implementation strategy involves identifying economic opportunities in every ward, with collaboration among local, state, and federal authorities. Applications remain open to residents with valid National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers.
“The local government and ward coordinators will serve as the engine room of this programme, working closely with ambassadors and community stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and lasting impact,” he concluded.
Also in attendance were the Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; the former Deputy Governor of Katsina State and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Hon. Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi; the Katsina State APC Chairman, Hon. Sani Aliyu Daura; and the Chairman of the Katsina State APC Stakeholders, Hon. Salisu Mamman Kadandani.
