Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar (Katsina Times)

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON, has inaugurated the Community Development Programme, emphasizing grassroots participation for sustainable growth.  

The ceremony, held on Thursday, November 21, at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina, was attended by dignitaries, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Honourable Minister of Housing and Development Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, and representatives from global institutions such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).  

In his speech, Governor Radda outlined the programme's vision to transform Katsina State into a model of participatory governance and sustainable development. He stressed that community empowerment is key to addressing persistent challenges, including access to education, clean water, youth unemployment, and environmental degradation.  

“Our vision is simple yet ambitious – to empower communities to become architects of their development,” said the governor. “Sustainable change cannot be dictated from the top down; it must be built from the ground up with active community participation.”  

Governor Radda highlighted examples of successful community-driven development models from other countries, including India's Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and Brazil's Bolsa Família programme. These initiatives demonstrated the impact of empowering communities to prioritize and execute projects tailored to their unique needs.  

The Katsina State Community Development Programme aims to enhance social cohesion, promote gender equity, strengthen infrastructure, and address socio-economic disparities. Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the programme’s sustainability by integrating it into broader government frameworks.  

Representatives from international development organizations applauded the initiative. Mr. Raya Diop of the World Bank emphasized the importance of sustained support for community-driven projects, while UNDP representatives lauded Katsina State's efforts to involve grassroots stakeholders in decision-making.  

As the governor concluded his address, he reiterated his administration's commitment to inclusive governance and development. “This programme represents more than policy; it is a promise to our people and future generations. Together, we will achieve a brighter, more sustainable Katsina State.”  

The inauguration marks a significant step towards addressing development challenges in Katsina State, setting a precedent for participatory governance across Nigeria.