Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched the KASEDA/UNDP Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Business Starter Package Programme in Batsari Local Government Area, aimed at restoring livelihoods and creating sustainable economic opportunities for communities affected by insecurity.
The programme, launched at Cherish Institute in Batsari, saw beneficiaries who had completed entrepreneurship and business skills training receive startup packages and business tools to establish or expand their enterprises.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda said the initiative, implemented through a partnership between the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), forms part of his administration’s broader strategy to promote economic recovery and self-reliance in frontline communities.
He said the state government would continue to partner with development organisations to implement programmes that directly improve the lives of residents, particularly those impacted by banditry and insecurity.
“Our administration remains committed to creating opportunities that will restore hope and improve livelihoods. Through our partnership with KASEDA and UNDP, we have continued to implement programmes that directly benefit our people, especially communities affected by insecurity,” the governor said.
Governor Radda recalled that the partnership had already delivered several interventions across the state, including the construction of 150 housing units for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area, as well as livelihood restoration and economic recovery programmes in Batsari, Faskari and other frontline councils.
He explained that the MSME programme was designed to help beneficiaries rebuild their livelihoods through entrepreneurship after undergoing comprehensive training in various business categories.
“We want our people to become self-reliant. Government cannot provide jobs for everyone, but by supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses, we can create sustainable sources of income for our citizens,” he said.
The governor urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the support packages, stressing that they should serve as a foundation for long-term economic independence rather than continued dependence on government assistance.
“The support you are receiving today is an opportunity to transform your lives. Use these resources wisely, grow your businesses, support your families and become employers of labour within your communities,” he added.
Governor Radda disclosed that beneficiaries under the Nano Business category would receive support worth about ₦150,000 each, while those in the Small Business category would receive assistance valued at approximately ₦320,000 each.
Dr. Babangida Ruma
Earlier, the Director-General of KASEDA, Dr. Babangida Ruma, said the programme was designed to strengthen economic resilience, restore livelihoods and promote inclusive entrepreneurship in communities affected by insecurity.
He noted that Governor Radda had continued to attract development partnerships aimed at improving the economic wellbeing of the people of Katsina State through enterprise development and job creation.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), development partners and community leaders.
