Sensitisation workshop for rural communities on state policies

I humbly welcome you all to this 1-Day Sensitization Workshop for Rural Community Dwellers, focusing on policies and programmes of Katsina State Government for Sustainable Livelihood.

Today is another historic occasion in our journey to build Katsina State future. If we take a walk back to sixteen months ago when our administration took over the mantle of leadership, we would see the successes we have recorded, the milestones we have genuinely set and the proficient policies and initiatives we have out in place to ensure our State prosperity. Even though we are not without some lows and challenges, I am certain that this government is not leaving any stone unturned to address the ugly situations. As we may be aware, there are positive signs that we on the right tracks.

As stakeholder in our respective community and organization, we are a witness to our unending fight against insecurity. The establishment of Katsina Community Watch Corps recorded huge success in the fight against insurgency across the State. While it can be very tasking and discouraging to leave our security agents unarmed, we provided 10 armoured personnel carriers, 61 branded Hilux vehicles, 700 motorcycles, drones, communication networks and other important equipment to safeguard the lives and properties of our citizens. These, no doubt, has bolstered the State’s security apparatus. You will discover that most of our farmers can now go back to their farms to harvest their farm inputs which in turn contribute to food security and economic growth.

Worthy of note, is the establishment of the Hisbah Board, Joint Security Operations Communications Centre, Committee on Encroached Cattle Routes and Grazing Reserves among others are top strategic plans. These are clear departures from the past.

In the healthcare domain, our administration has a vision for accessible and quality medical services. The construction of a 12-Bed Capacity Dialysis Center at Gen. Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital and the upgrading of Faskari Comprehensive Health Center to a General Hospital is big game-changers. Moreover, the sponsorship of 41 Medical Students in Egypt to study MBBS and payment of 2 Year tuition fees and upkeep to the tune of N774,344,600 is nothing but an indication of our readiness to improve people’s livelihoods and capacity building.

Fellow compatriots, just last month, we achieved another monumental step towards improving healthcare in the state. We disbursed nothing less than four billion naira to over eight hundred households whose children completed routine immunization. Similarly, one hundred and sixty three motorcycles were distributed to enhance Primary Health Care Services.

For our rural dwellers and farming communities, we have implemented impactful initiatives, such as the distribution of agricultural inputs and assets to over 13,000 farmers, the establishment of the Katsina State Irrigation Development Authority, and the provision of dry season inputs, including solar water pumps, tube wells, and capacity building for 2,040 beneficiaries. These are record breaking events and initiatives in the history of Katsina State. Additionally, the development of pasture lands and the construction of small earth dams at Dan Chaffa, Kankara and Dandume demonstrate our administration's commitment to bolstering the state's agricultural prowess. Good people of Katsina state! An investment of this nature would not only provide food for the masses but also motivate young people to venture into farming. In return, the State economy future become formidable.

This administration foresight extends to the realm of urban planning and development which led to the establishment of the Katsina Geographical Information Services (KATGIS) and the restructuring of the Urban and Regional Planning (URP). What we intend to achieve in this regard is well-organized and sustainable cities with defined addresses and comprehensive master plans. This proactive approach ensures Katsina's cities are poised for orderly growth and development control in the years to come.

Our successes in the last one year and few months are visible to all and sundry, in fact they’re inexhaustible and that is why this workshop become necessary to internalize every stakeholders with our programmes, policies and initiatives. However, we recognize that more needs to be done to accelerate our actions towards inclusive development through engaging in to community driving projects and empowerment policy implementation strategies for sustainable livelihood across the 34 Local Government Areas in the State.

Let me emphasized that this Government under my leadership envision a State where every citizen has access to opportunities, resources, and services necessary for sustainable livelihood. A State where our rural and urban communities thrive, and our people live in peace and harmony. That is my vision and aspiration to the people of Katsina State.

To achieve this vision, we must work together with passionate heart to succeed. I urge you to actively participate in this sensitization program effectively, share your experiences, and provide valuable feedback for the benefit of our communities with whom you are representing. Inform them properly about the Government planning and vision to all the citizens and for the attention of Government.

I implore all our vibrant citizen to remain united in building a brighter future for our State. Let us prioritize the needs of our community and work collaboratively to address challenges. As the saying goes "two heads are better than one." Let us put our heads together to achieve Katsina of our dream which I believe it is possible with you and I.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS US ALL.