KATSINA — Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has approved a series of major development projects and programmes, including a 100 per cent increase in students’ bursary allowances, expanded scholarship schemes, sports infrastructure upgrades, and agricultural empowerment initiatives across Katsina State.
The approvals were made during the 8th Regular Meeting of the Katsina State Executive Council held at the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, said the projects were part of the administration’s “Building Your Future” agenda focused on education, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bashir Tanimu Gambo, announced the approval of a special merit-based scholarship programme for the top 50 students in each of the state’s 34 local government areas.
According to him, the scholarship package includes full payment of tuition and other academic fees, alongside annual stipends for beneficiaries.
“The scholarship is aimed at ensuring that talented students continue their education without financial challenges,” he said.
Executive Secretary of the State Scholarship Board, Aminu Salisu, noted that the initiative was designed to remove financial barriers affecting students from low-income families.
The council also approved the enrollment of 361 additional trainees into the second batch of the Dikko Radda Agripreneurship Training and Empowerment Scheme at the Makera Songhai Training Centre in Dutsin-Ma.
The programme focuses on training youths in modern agriculture, livestock production, aquaculture, agro-processing, and agribusiness development.
In the water sector, the council approved the completion of a new modern pump house and related facilities at the Ajiwa Water Works to improve water supply to Katsina metropolis and neighbouring communities.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Surajo Yazid Abukur, disclosed that the council approved Phase III of the Charanchi Township Stadium project, including the construction of a standard football pitch, indoor sports hall, and pavilion.
He added that FIFA-standard hybrid synthetic grass would also be installed at the Malumfashi and Funtua township stadiums to upgrade the facilities to international standards.
Meanwhile, the Statistician General of Katsina State, Saifulahi Sani, presented the adoption of the 2025 General Household Survey, which will serve as baseline data for development planning and rural transformation programmes across the state.
Officials said the approvals reflect the administration’s commitment to human capital development, youth empowerment, infrastructure modernisation, and evidence-based governance.
