Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has been commended for supporting financial autonomy for local governments in the state, which enables them to carry out laudable projects to enhance the welfare and well-being of their people.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Alhaji Ya'u Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, made the commendation in a statement made available the newsmen in Katsina.
The statement explains that the local governments have recently carried out erosion control projects, renovation of primary health centers and dispensaries and the renovation of mosques, graveyards and special prayers for peace and security in the state.
"Just recently, each local government in the state received a cumulative sum of N350 million to carry out these projects and programs which are meant to improve the living conditions of their people.
"For instance each local government council received N200 million for erosion control projects to safeguard farmlands, houses and community lands against gully erosion at the start of the rainy season.
"Also part of the money, the local governments had earlier received N100 million each for the renovation, expansion and provision of equipment and medical supplies at one primary health care center and one dispensary in each of the 361 wards across the state.
"Also based on request by Islamic scholars from the local governments, funds were approved for the repair of graveyards, renovation of mosques and special prayers for sustained peace in the state, at least each local government received a total N30 million for these projects".
Gwajo-Gwajo explained that local government areas that are troubled by insecurity have also agreed to make contributions to the fight against the menace which includes the provision of logistics and allowances for hunters and local vigilante as well as other expenses to safeguard their communities at the frontlines.
"These monies were spent by the local governments themselves, it is their money and they decide on how to spend it to improve the welfare and living conditions of their people.
"The governor always insists on due process and the Rule of Law, that is why the local governments have the autonomy to decide how to spend their money.
"They pay their salaries, running costs and overheads, and they carry out projects in healthcare, education, environment, agriculture, works and other sectors to improve the welfare and living conditions of their people" the statement notes.
