Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has directed the Ministry of Higher, Vocational and Technical Education and the Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV) to establish special skills acquisition classes for persons with disabilities across the state.
The directive was given on Thursday during the flag-off of an empowerment support distribution programme for 680 persons with special needs, organised by the Dan Amana Solidarity Forum at the Gwagware Foundation Complex in Katsina.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda
Governor Radda said the special classes would be opened at KYCV training centres in Katsina, Daura and Malumfashi to improve access to vocational training and provide beneficiaries with the capacity to become economically self-reliant.
He emphasised the need for inclusive development, noting that persons with disabilities must be given equal opportunities to acquire skills and establish sustainable livelihoods.
As part of the empowerment initiative, the Governor announced an additional financial support of ₦6.8 million for the beneficiaries, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to inclusive empowerment. He also pledged that the government would purchase all products made by the beneficiaries to motivate them to further develop their skills.
Governor Radda further directed the management of the Gwagware Foundation to expand its skills acquisition programmes to accommodate more persons with disabilities across the state. He commended the Dan Amana Solidarity Forum for prioritising the welfare and empowerment of persons with special needs in Katsina State.
Hajiya Ruqayya Umaru Radda
Earlier, the Director General of the Dan Amana Solidarity Forum, Hajiya Ruqayya Umaru Radda, disclosed that the organisation had been supporting persons with disabilities across the state for the past six years. She revealed that each of the 680 beneficiaries would receive ₦20,000 as start-up capital after completing their skills training.
Alhaji Yusuf Aliyu Musawa
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Gwagware Foundation, Alhaji Yusuf Aliyu Musawa, said the programme marked the 11th empowerment initiative conducted at the centre. He added that a similar programme would soon be organised to benefit another 300 people.
Alhaji Yusuf Musawa expressed appreciation to the Association of Contractors for constructing a two-classroom block at the foundation’s headquarters, as well as to Engr. Mintari Sagir for undertaking the construction of an administrative block and mosque. He announced donations of ₦1 million to support the Dan Amana Solidarity Forum and ₦500,000 to DMG.
The event featured the distribution of empowerment support materials and the commissioning of the newly constructed classroom block by the Katsina Contractors Association. It was attended by government officials, foundation managers, beneficiaries and other stakeholders involved in disability empowerment programmes.
The report was issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, on December 25, 2025.
