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Tag: Katsina

  • Radda tackling poverty, infrastructural deficiency, says Katsina female activist

    Radda tackling poverty, infrastructural deficiency, says Katsina female activist

    Katsina-based female Activist, Hajia Zainab Sada, has declared Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s administration is doing well on poverty eradication and infrastructural development.

    Sada, who is also founder of the Neighborhood Committee Network (NCN), a community-driven initiative that fosters collaborative governance, social cohesion and sustainability, told The Nation the present administration’s efforts towards alleviating the hardship through numerous actionable programmes, and infrastructural developments, have impressed citizens. 

    She also noted the administration’s recent distribution of farm equipment to assist farmers for food production across the state, declaring willingness to collaborate with groups, associations and corporate organisations to eradicate poverty and illiteracy in the state.

    She said : ’’In any case, the performance of His Excellency Mal. Dikko Umar Radda to be candid with you has been superfluous. So far, he has done extremely very well unlike past administrations in the state. Simply put, he has invested in the most critical sectors of the state, which if you are to prioritize and put them on scale of preference, we find that they are commendable.

    ‘’ if you take history back to North Central, up to Kaduna state, up to the point when Kaduna state was inaugurated on 23rd of September, 1987, to date, he is one of the most luckiest governor that at the end of his administration that has constructed 150 secondary schools. It is unprecedented. 

    Read Also: Gov Radda hails appointment of two indigenes into Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority

    ‘’He has also embarked on the construction of about 361 comprehensive health centers. And these comprehensive health centers, as you know, of course, traverse virtually the 361 electoral votes of Katsina state. Other than, of course, the upgrade of so many comprehensive health centers to full-fledged general hospitals.

    ‘’And of course, the third most important area is infrastructure, infrastructure and development. You know that even this week, he has started commissioning the urban renewal projects with the commission of Kofar Soro to Kofar Guga Dual Carriage, amongst others “

  • Tinubu deserves second term, says Katsina activist

    Tinubu deserves second term, says Katsina activist

    Katsina-based female activist Hajia Zainab Saida has stated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves a second term considering the level of successes he recorded in bold economic, social and political policies. 

    Saida, who is also an APC chieftain and founder of the Neighborhood Committee Network (NCN), a community-driven initiative that fosters collaborative governance, social cohesion and sustainability, told The Nation that Tinubu’s critics and opposing politicians are simply jealous of his achievements.

    She said: ‘’Nigerians should be more patient  I believe Tinubu’s leadership has good intentions. They should ignore the Kwankwasos, Peter Obi’s and Atiku’s of this world who are still mourning their past political loses.

    ‘’We in katsina will vote for Tinubu and Dikko Radda again come 2027.

    “Tinubu’s policies may not likely crystallise quickly but with time, in fact, some of them, to be candid and honest, may crystallise beyond the lifespan of the administration.

     ‘’But the whole concept of life itself is a marathon. It’s not a hundred-meter dash. Some economic policies, wherever, cannot be a hundred-meter dash.

    ‘’With the autonomy Tinubu has secured for the local governments, the people at the grassroots level will certainly witness poverty reduction as the councils’ direct funding starts this month.

    ‘’Also the improved security and local refining of petroleum products would help the President’s efforts to tame inflation and strengthen the gains of the ongoing economic reforms.’’

  • Tax reforms: Only few Nigerians have studied the bills – Katsina APC chieftain

    Tax reforms: Only few Nigerians have studied the bills – Katsina APC chieftain

    A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Katsina-based industrialist, Alhaji Salisu Mamman, has stated that only a few Nigerians have studied the four bills that make up the tax bill recently submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Speaking in an exclusive media interview with The Nation in Katsina, Mamman described the economic and tax reforms of the current administration as “long overdue.”

    He said: “The issue of economic and tax policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies has become  subjects of national contention in recent times, the fact however remains there is need for te reforms.

     ’’In fact, its part of human endeavour, even you as an individual, not to talk of government, at every point in time, you have to embark on one form of reform or the other, because reforms, as defined, were supposed to translate into changes or anything that will impact positively on the lives of the people.

    ‘’Certainly, reforms were ‘’sine quano to the society, a sine qua non to human endeavor, it’s something that you cannot do without. 

    “They were necessary evils, necessary things that one has to do, depending on from which prism one is looking at those reforms. So this is the circumstances. Unfortunately, we found ourselves on these four bills that Mr. President has presented before the National Assembly.

    He further described Nigeria’s current economic challenges as seen by several opinions, cutting across public, religious, regional, sub-national prisms with divergent opinions, as healthy for democracy adding no one should be shut out from the discourse

    He said: ’’This is not military decrees or military regime, where the Supreme Military Council decides it all, even during the military, you have the Supreme Military Council sitting to promulgate a decree.

    “So, whatever happens, even during the military era, you have some divergent or conglomeration of other opinions of some other people. Yeah, it may be a military government that, okay, the decision is only taken by let’s assume 12 or 15 people. You can imagine 10 or 15 people taking decisions on behalf of 200 million people.

    Read Also: Tinubu urges media support for tax reforms to ensure national prosperity

    ‘’People can say their mind. People can bear their minds on any given situation and express themselves. Democracy heralds the expectations that leadership and democracy will listen to the divergent opinions as expressed’’

    ‘’The funny thing in the raging argument on the tax reform bills, are that people are expressing their opinion based on their own understanding of what they have heard, not what they have read about the tax reforms.

    ‘’it is becoming clearer now that most people have not even gone through or taken time to read the content of the tax reform bills’.

    ‘’They rely on speculation, on hearsay. They rely on conjectures. They rely on what somebody has said nobody cares to go and start reading the 361 pages. No one cares to even know that what is before the National Assembly are four bills.”

  • Katsina tertiary institution declares 14-day warning strike

    Katsina tertiary institution declares 14-day warning strike

    The Joint Consultative Forum (JCF) of Tertiary Institutions owned by the Katsina state government has declared a 14-day ultimatum beginning from December 9, demanding full implementation of all salary structures as submitted and approved by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

    Chairman of the forum, Comrade Muhammad Nasir Gidado, made this declaration while addressing the press at the end of the joint consultative meeting held at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic.

    The forum reminded the state government that Katsina state has been advocating for the implementation of new salary structures.

    The JCF chairman reiterated that the executive committee reaffirmed its position to the Katsina state government on the new national minimum wage.

    He added that the forum has received the proposed and approved salary tables from the NLC and expressed “grave reservations” after careful study.

    Gidado highlighted key concerns, including the omission of salary tables for both academic and non-academic staff of UMYU from earlier submissions made by the forum, as well as unfavourable adjustments made to the consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary (CONTISS11).

    Read Also: Katsina seeks TETFund assistance for tertiary institutions

    He said: “We want to draw the attention of the state government to note that the JCF has resolved to issue a 14-day ultimatum, and it is done in the collective interests of all staff of Katsina state-owned tertiary institutions’’

    ‘’it is hoped that the state will act accordingly in due course to aid continuous industrial harmony’’

    Institutions that were listed under the JCF include UMYU, HUkP, Isah Kaita College, Yusuf Bala Usman College of Education, KSITM, Colleges of Health Sciences, and Nursing among others.

  • High rate of cervical cancer in Nigeria unacceptable, says Katsina First Lady

    High rate of cervical cancer in Nigeria unacceptable, says Katsina First Lady

    The First Lady of Katsina State, Hajiya Fatima Dikko Radda, has condemned the high prevalence of cervical cancer in Nigeria, calling it “unacceptable” for a preventable disease. 

    She emphasised that coordinated efforts among stakeholders can eliminate it as a public health threat.  

    She noted that with commitment, active stakeholder collaboration, and robust awareness advocacy, other states can emulate Katsina state, which achieved 100% HPV vaccination coverage during the national campaign, paving the way for the elimination of the disease.

    Radda spoke in Abuja on Thursday during the 2nd Stakeholders’ Summit on Cervical Cancer Elimination in Nigeria, organized by End Cervical Cancer Nigeria Initiative (ECCNI).

    Radda, who is also the Founder of Pledging Aid Charity Foundation, lamented that cervical cancer is a preventable disease, yet it remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women in Nigeria.

    She, however, stressed that the situation is not irreversible, citing how her family is leading from the front in fighting against the disease.

    She said: “I say this is unacceptable and it is our collective responsibility to change this narrative. 

    “Today we gather as stakeholders to reaffirm our commitment to eliminating cervical cancer in Nigeria.

    “We must work together to ensure that every woman and girl has access to screening, vaccination and treatment. 

    “In May this year, under the leadership of my husband, Governor Dikko Radda, Katsina State has successfully introduced the HPV vaccine among other phase 2 States, achieving 100% coverage of the entire population, with my daughter as the first official uptaker in the State. 

    “I urge us all to approach this meeting with a sense of urgency, compassion and collaboration. 

    “Let us share our expertise, experiences and ideas to develop effective strategies for cervical cancer elimination in Nigeria. 

    “And to my fellow women, I say let us take ownership of our health and the health of our loved ones. 

    “Let us educate ourselves, our families and our communities about cervical cancer prevention. Finally, I would like to commend the efforts of the local organizing committee of this meeting. 

    “And I say together we can make a difference. Together we can promote a healthier future for all Nigerian women and girls. And together we can eliminate cervical cancer in Nigeria”. 

    Osasuyi Dirisu, the Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre, in her keynote address, stressed the need for collaborative action to achieve Nigeria’s 2030 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) target. 

    Speaking on the theme of the Summit ‘Strengthening collaboration towards achieving cervical cancer elimination targets in Nigeria’, while commending the government’s progress, Dirisu highlighted critical gaps and proposed steps to improve health outcomes for women and girls.  

    “Nigeria has vaccinated over 10 million adolescent girls against HPV since 2023, but this is far from the target required to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern,” she said.  

    Dirisu identified misinformation, parental consent challenges, and limited grassroots mobilization as significant barriers to vaccine uptake. 

    She acknowledged initiatives like the National Cancer Control Program and partnerships with global organizations, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), but called for more coordinated efforts.  

    “Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable, yet it remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Nigerian women. Collaboration is essential to combat misinformation, ensure equitable vaccine access, and prioritize marginalized communities,” Dirisu emphasized.  

    Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), elaborated on NICRAT’s strategies to address cervical cancer. 

    He highlighted the institute’s collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to pilot a school-based HPV vaccination program targeting six States in the pilot phase, with stakeholder engagements set to strengthen vaccination efforts and achieve 90% coverage.  

    On screening, Aliyu, who was represented by Waziri Usman, the Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, noted the agency’s efforts to expand nationwide access and strengthen frontline health workers’ capacity. 

    “By 2025, we aim to scale up these activities and establish a national cervical cancer screening program,” he said.  

    He also revealed plans to increase cancer treatment centers from six to at least 12 while prioritizing pre-cancer treatment and operationalizing the National Cervical Cancer Control Program launched in 2023. 

    He highlighted the recently constituted National Task Force for Cervical Cancer Elimination, led by former Health Minister Prof. Isaac Adewole, as a testament to the government’s commitment to tackling the issue.

    Ishak Lawal, Executive Director of ECCNI, emphasized the need for collective efforts to achieve WHO’s targets of vaccinating 90% of adolescent girls, screening 70% of eligible women, and treating 90% of positive cases.  

    “Developing countries face unique challenges, but this summit provides an opportunity for localized solutions,” Lawal said. Praising government initiatives, he likened progress to assembling a car: “Without every part working together, it won’t move.”

  • Katsina to revamp abandoned wind farm, signs MoU for renewable energy expansion

    Katsina to revamp abandoned wind farm, signs MoU for renewable energy expansion

    After nearly two decades of neglect, the Katsina State Government has announced plans to revitalize the 10MW Wind Farm in Lumbar Rimi as part of efforts to boost power supply in the state.

    The government has also signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a French company, Vergnet Groupe, to expand access to sustainable electricity.

    Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda revealed this during a meeting with Vergnet Groupe, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), in Paris, France, on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the country.

    In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Governor Radda, accompanied by the Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, expressed the state’s commitment to rehabilitating the wind farm to meet the region’s growing energy demands. 

    He emphasised that the project aligns with Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Master Plan and the 2060 net-zero goals, ensuring its sustainable operation.

    Radda also announced plans to develop a 10MW Solar Farm to complement the wind project. 

    He noted that these initiatives would provide clean, renewable energy capable of powering approximately 4,400 homes across Katsina State.

    “These projects are integral to Katsina State’s vision to become a leading renewable energy hub in Nigeria and contribute to the country’s broader transition to a sustainable energy future.” 

    In the same vein the governor and his team also entered into an agreement with another French company Ocean Solutions Energie to expand access to sustainable electricity.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Katsina Govt, NLC, TUC sign agreement on 70,000 minimum wage

    Explaining the rationale behind the MOU, Gov. Radda noted that Katsina State Government is committed to advancing renewable energy solutions by supporting Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 and expanding access to sustainable electricity. 

    Radda revealed plans to establish a mini hydroelectric power station as part of a pilot project at Danja Dam to provide energy to critical local infrastructure, including irrigation systems, a water treatment plant, small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and households. 

    He maintained that the initiative will focus on providing reliable, renewable energy to local communities and will serve as a model for future hydroelectric developments across the State’s 43 dams. 

    “Katsina state government is committed to providing financial support to ensure the successful installation and long-term sustainability of the power station,” the Governor assured. 

    The new MoU aligns with the Electricity Act of 2023 which emphasized decentralized energy solutions, integration of renewable sources into Nigeria power grid and fulfill the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 on affordable and clean energy. 

  • Cash crunch hits Katsina despite CBN directive

    Cash crunch hits Katsina despite CBN directive

    Despite the directives by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) compelling commercial banks to make cash available in ATMs, the situation in Katsina State has worsened. 

    The cash shortage is crippling business activities, transportation, and the general standard of living.

    When The Nation visited business outlets, central markets, and POS operators across the state, the common response was “No cash, No cash.” 

    Alhaji Abubakar Kaikai, a major POS operator, shared that only a few banks, particularly comply with CBN directives by dispensing cash, while most others managed to dispense ₦10,000 or none at all.

    He said: ‘’Only when there is deposits to a bank will such a bank dispense cash, they always complain poor cash receipts from Cbn often prevents them from filling their ATMs. 

    ‘’For instance, FCMB bank has for the past four months failed to dispense cash to its customers,  I am even considering closing my account with them. 

    ‘’Most of these commercial banks often complain that the ration they gets from the CBN is hardly enough to share to their other branches. 

    Read Also: Reps to summon CBN governor, bank MDs over POS operators’ identity

    ‘’CBN must increase the financial allocations to commercial banks and promptly sanction banks that fails to come for withdrawals from them regularly, because these banks always blame the CBN for poor dispensation of cash to their customers. ’’

    The POS operator further revealed that borrowing cash from filling stations has become their survival strategy, as most banks have ceased dispensing cash to customers.

  • Banditry: FG deploys two additional helicopters to Katsina

    Banditry: FG deploys two additional helicopters to Katsina

    The federal government has deployed two additional ATAK-129 Helicopters into Operation “Fansan Yamma” Sector 2, located at the Airport Wing of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Katsina State, to intensify military efforts against banditry and related insecurity in the region.

    The Minister of Defense, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, alongside the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, announced this to the press in Katsina during the commissioning.

    The Minister assured that the nation’s security challenges would soon be resolved.

    He said: “The ATAK-129 Helicopters have an advantage over other fighter jets, ensuring that no enemy can escape justice. The helicopters were specifically deployed to combat bandits and other criminal elements that threaten the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Northwest region’’.

    The Minister further commended the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the troops in the ongoing operations to secure Nigeria’s future, noting that their efforts are already yielding positive results.

    He added that significant progress has been made, with farmers returning to their farms, children going back to school, businesses thriving, and ordinary Nigerians able to sleep peacefully at night.

     He said: “We salute you for your personal sacrifices, leaving behind your families and the comfort of your homes to secure our collective future, we are grateful and remain committed to providing you and your families with the necessary resources to ensure you receive the best incentives and benefits.”

    With the induction of these new helicopters and the high calibre of officers and personnel operating them, Alhaji Abubakar expressed confidence that Nigerians would be proud of the results. “Together, we will dominate the battle space and achieve successful outcomes,”

    He emphasised that the newly deployed air components possess the speed, reach, and precision required to ensure that no enemy can evade justice.

    “The long arm of the law will reach those who seek to destroy our peace,” he asserted.

    Read Also: Radda flags off Katsina Community Development Programme, supported by AfDB, World Bank

    He urged the military to collaborate with ground forces and other stakeholders to ensure maximum effectiveness.

    “Synergy must be our watchword to defeat the enemies of the country. We must work together to build a safer and stronger Nigeria.”

    The Minister expressed satisfaction with recent military efforts, highlighting the destruction of several bandit hideouts in the past week through the use of various platforms. “If this continues, we will soon eradicate banditry,” he declared.

    He concluded by assuring the troops of the Federal Government’s ongoing support for them and their families. 

    “The end is near. We need maximum cooperation, intelligence, and prayers from the public,” he said.

  • ‘Katsina will advance a stronger business-friendly Northwest’

    ‘Katsina will advance a stronger business-friendly Northwest’

    The Katsina State government has said it is particular about building a stronger business-friendly Northwest.

    Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe spoke during the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) subnational tour (Northwest region), saying the state is honored to host the regional edition of the program.

    e said: “PEBEC’s mission to eliminate barriers and bureaucratic obstacles perfectly aligns with our vision to establish a supportive, dynamic, and sustainable business climate.

    “In the Northwest, our economies are diverse, and our resources are vast. From agriculture to minerals, manufacturing to trade, we hold the keys to opportunities that could uplift the entire region. However, we also recognise that unlocking these opportunities require a unified approach to the business environment, a framework that supports both large-scale investors and the micro, small, and medium enterprises that are the backbone of our economy.

    “Since assuming office, we have prioritised economic reforms aimed at revolutionising the business environment in Katsina State. I am proud to share that we have created the Katsina State Economic Council, a body that works closely with stakeholders across all sectors and with citizens to guide our state’s policy direction towards achieving a collective economic goal.”

    Read Also: Katsina deploys 550 security trainees from banditry-ravaged communities to tackle terrorists

    Jobe also said the newly-established Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) was part of the strategic approach to harmonise and streamline efforts to attract investment, encourage entrepreneurship, and facilitate sustainable economic growth.

    The deputy governor also identified the role played by technology in economic development and investment promotion as the reason for establishing the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communications Technology (KATDICT) to drive digital transformation in the state.

    “Through KATDICT, we are empowering our people with digital skills, advancing e-governance, and positioning Katsina for a technology-driven, as well as knowledge based economy,” he said.

  • Katsina council polls: commission fixes Nov. 20 for screening

    Katsina council polls: commission fixes Nov. 20 for screening

    Screening of candidates for the local government elections in Katsina State will hold on November 20 ahead of the February 15, 2025 elections, the state Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC) has announced.

    A statement by KTSIEC commissioner, Adamu Ladan, said the screening follows the expiration of time allotted for the sales of nomination forms 006, 006A, and 007, which was expected to end on November 14.

    Read Also: Court adjourns suit over Katsina PDP crisis

    He said: “The screening will take place between November 20 and 27. Candidates vying for the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman will be screened at the commission’s headquarters, while the screening for councillorship candidates will hold at the council secretariats across the state.”

    The electoral body also called on all political parties that purchased nomination forms and their candidates to make the necessary preparations for the screening and clearance as outlined in the approved election timetable.

    It also reiterated that there will be no further extensions, adding that only candidates who have been sponsored by their parties and have completed the nomination process will be allowed to participate in the screening exercise.