KATSINA — Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reiterated that public office is a trust that must translate into tangible benefits for the people, as he flagged off a comprehensive scholarship and empowerment programme in Danja Local Government Area.
The governor said Danja remains a key beneficiary of his administration’s local government autonomy policy, which he noted has strengthened grassroots governance and accelerated community development.
Speaking during the event, Governor Radda described the programme as part of his administration’s people-centred approach to development, aimed at directly improving the lives and livelihoods of citizens through practical interventions.
According to him, the initiative covers scholarship support for students and empowerment packages targeted at boosting the socio-economic wellbeing of residents, particularly at the grassroots.
“This programme is about touching lives directly and strengthening communities from the grassroots. Danja is very important to this administration, and this visit reflects our sustained engagement with the people,” the governor said.
He stressed that development under his leadership is focused on meeting the everyday needs of the people, adding that his administration would continue to execute projects with visible impact across the state.
Governor Radda commended the Chairman of Danja Local Government, Hon. Rabo Tambaya, for what he described as purposeful leadership and effective implementation of empowerment initiatives, especially in support of farmers through the distribution of motorcycles and water pumps.
He said Danja has significant agricultural potential and assured farmers of continued government support through the timely provision of inputs and sustained rural development programmes.
The governor also praised the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Hon. Shehu Dabai, for remaining connected to his community and for personally sponsoring the construction of two classroom blocks in Arabic colleges within the local government area.
“Leadership is a trust and a call to service. Those entrusted with public office must always remember to give back to the people,” Governor Radda said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Danja Local Government, Hon. Rabo Tambaya, said the programme showcased the practical benefits of local government autonomy. He disclosed that his administration had executed 109 projects across the local government area since assuming office.
According to him, autonomy has enabled the council to respond directly to the needs of the people and deliver projects across critical sectors.
Tambaya reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Radda and pledged continued commitment to improving the living conditions of residents.
As part of the empowerment programme, he announced the distribution of 120 motorcycles and 100 water pumps, the commissioning of additional local security operatives, and the sponsorship of ₦1.6 million for medical treatments, including the provision of an artificial limb to a resident. He also disclosed that ₦250,000 was provided as morale support to a member of the Community Watch Corps.
Also speaking, the House Leader of the Katsina State House of Assembly and Member representing Danja Constituency, Hon. Shamsuddeen Abubakar Dabai, described the occasion as historic and urged leaders to remain committed to initiatives that uplift communities.
He revealed that through the Gwagware Foundation, ₦25 million has been committed for scholarships benefiting 1,250 tertiary institution students, with each beneficiary receiving ₦20,000.
He added that ₦7 million has also been set aside to support 700 less-privileged women, with ₦10,000 allocated to each beneficiary to enhance their economic resilience.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Hon. Shehu Dabai, described the intervention as timely and deeply appreciated by the people of Danja. He disclosed that ₦11 million had been disbursed as morale support to over 1,100 Imams in the local government.
He also confirmed the sponsorship of two classroom blocks in different schools within Danja to strengthen Islamic and Arabic education.
The event attracted members of the Katsina State Executive Council, lawmakers, traditional rulers, party leaders, community stakeholders and residents of Danja Local Government Area.
