Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched the distribution of Ramadan relief ₦346.7 million packages, donated by Senator Muntari Dandutse, representing Katsina South (Funtua Senatorial Zone).
The launch ceremony took place in Funtua, where food items and cash totaling ₦346,715,000 were distributed to beneficiaries across the Funtua Zone. The relief package includes assorted food items such as bags of rice, maize, wheat, and guinea corn, along with ₦55 million in cash support.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda said the initiative reflects leadership that prioritizes the welfare of citizens, especially during important periods like the holy month of Ramadan.
“The people of Katsina State deserve dedicated representatives who genuinely care for their constituents and provide support, particularly during significant periods like Ramadan,” the Governor said.
He urged citizens, especially during iftar, to remember Katsina State in their prayers and ask for divine guidance to achieve sustained security, peace, and development. He described Ramadan as a sacred period of mercy, forgiveness, and blessings, adding that it is an ideal time to pray for peace, unity, and progress across the state.
Each of the eleven local government areas in the Funtua Zone received ₦5 million to facilitate smooth distribution and ensure that the donations reach the intended beneficiaries.
Governor Radda commended Senator Dandutse for consistently supporting the people of the Funtua Zone through various empowerment initiatives. He noted that the Ramadan programme benefits women, youths, elders, less-privileged communities, traditional rulers, Ulamas, party officials, and orphans across the zone.
He described the Senator as a committed representative working for the welfare and progress of both his constituents and the party.
The Governor assured residents that his administration would continue to implement policies and programmes aimed at improving the living standards of citizens across Katsina State. He reminded leaders of the trust placed in them by the electorate and urged them to always prioritize the needs of the people, especially during the holy month.
According to him, leadership is a service to Allah and humanity, and elected officials must remember that power ultimately belongs to the people.
Governor Radda also highlighted the economic strengths of the Funtua Zone, particularly in agriculture and commerce. He pointed to the fertile land and vibrant trading culture in the area, which he said encourage self-reliance and economic growth.
He commended local government chairmen for promoting grassroots development, especially through opportunities created by local government autonomy. He also called on Islamic scholars, Ulamas, to intensify prayers during Ramadan for the restoration of peace, unity, and harmony across Katsina State.
Earlier, Senator Muntari Dandutse assured that proper arrangements had been made to ensure that both food items and cash donations reach the intended beneficiaries without delay.
He praised Governor Radda for implementing projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens. These include the 25-kilometre Tashar Bawa–Sabua Road, the dualisation of Funtua township roads, and the establishment of the Federal University of Medical Sciences in Funtua.
Senator Dandutse stated that the Ramadan empowerment programme is an annual initiative designed to support communities, strengthen social welfare, and promote peace, stability, and unity across the Funtua Zone.
Also speaking at the event, Katsina State APC Chairman, Sani Aliyu Daura, praised Governor Radda’s inclusive leadership style and described the occasion as historic for the Funtua Zone. He said the Governor has made significant strides in repositioning the state for sustainable development and inclusive governance.
Abdulmutallib Goya, Chairman of Funtua Local Government, welcomed guests and thanked the Governor for fostering unity and implementing people-oriented projects that benefit residents.
Similarly, Shamsu Sule Funtua, a board member of the North West Development Commission, explained that the distributed items are intended for APC officials, youths, women, Ulamas, traditional rulers, the elderly, and orphans across all eleven local government areas in the zone.
Those in attendance included Shehu Dalhatu Tafoki, member representing Kankara/Faskari/Sabuwa Federal Constituency; Arch. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Minister for Housing and Urban Development; Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND; and Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, Chief of Staff to the Governor. Members of the Katsina State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, and local government chairmen from the Funtua Zone were also present.
Traditional and community leaders, including Sambo Idris Sambo, District Head of Funtua, as well as stakeholders from local government areas and the business community, attended the event.
