The Katsina State Government has announced a collaborative effort with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to construct 140 housing units.

The state Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda disclosed in a statement bty his spokesperson Mohammed Ibrahim Kaula, adding that the effort is to address the plight of the IDPs in Jibia local government area of the state.

Governor Radda was speaking when he received in audience a delegation from the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, led by Federal Commissioner Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed.

Governor Radda said the state government has secured suitable land for the housing project, with plans to provide fencing and basic infrastructure as part of its counterpart contribution.

“The state government is committed to reducing the number of IDP camps by empowering residents with skills acquisition training,” Governor Radda stated. He emphasized the importance of equipping IDPs with skills to facilitate their reintegration into society and the establishment of their own businesses upon return to their villages.

Governor Radda said there were plans for an empowerment training programme in collaboration with development partners to support IDPs in the state.

He expressed to the gratitude National Commission for Refugees for the food donation to the state, adding that there was the need for an entrepreneurship center in the northwest region, urging consideration for Katsina State due to its robust Enterprise Development Agency.

In response, Federal Commissioner Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed underscored the federal government’s concern over the activities of bandits in the state. He commended the government and people of Katsina for their response to the challenges posed by displacement.

Commissioner Aliyu Ahmed announced plans to establish skills acquisition training centers across the three geopolitical zones of the North West, North East, and North Central. The initiative aims to equip IDPs with sustainable skills for self-reliance and reduce dependence on camp facilities.

Culled from 21st century Chronicle