Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has met with traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, elders and other stakeholders in Dandume local government area to seek their support for his reelection bid.
The meeting was held at the palace of the District Head of Dandume, on Friday.
The governor reeled out some of the projects executed by his administration in the area, including the establishment of a General Hospital in Dandume, which is now fully operational.
Radda pledged sustained interventions in agriculture, empowerment, commercial development, infrastructure and security.
He said the visit was an opportunity to pay respect to traditional institutions, seek their royal blessings and prayers, and solicit their continued support.
“Alhamdulillah, we are here today to pay a respectful visit to our parents and traditional leaders, demonstrate our solidarity and seek their royal blessings before proceeding with our political campaign activities,” he said.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and supporting Islamic scholars, describing them as important partners in grassroots governance, peacebuilding and community development.
He disclosed that all District Heads had been upgraded to Grade Level 15 and Village Heads to Grade Level 10, while all 6,652 ward heads across the state, alongside Friday mosque Imams, their deputies and Muezzins, were receiving government allowances.
“All our 6,652 ward heads across the state are receiving their allowances. Furthermore, Friday mosque Imams, their deputies and Muezzins are also receiving their respective allowances,” he said.
On grassroots development, Governor Radda explained that the Community Development Programme (CDP) empowers communities to identify their priorities and participate in monitoring government interventions through ward development committees.
Speaking on agriculture, he described Dandume as an important agricultural and commercial centre, assuring farmers and livestock owners of continued support through timely agricultural interventions.
“Since we assumed office, we have ensured that agricultural support is provided whenever it is needed, bringing considerable relief to our farming communities and significantly supporting agricultural production and livestock-rearing activities,” he noted.
He added that various empowerment programmes and toolkits had been distributed across the state’s 34 local government areas to strengthen livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.
On commercial development, the Governor assured residents that plans were underway to modernise Dandume Market and improve its commercial activities.
“The Katsina State Government has deemed it necessary to transform Dandume’s commercial market sector to meet modern standards. Moving forward, we will commence these important development projects, by the grace of Allah, alongside the continued provision of healthcare and other essential public services,” he assured.
On healthcare, Governor Radda recalled that residents had requested a hospital during his previous campaign visit, noting that the facility was now fully operational and serving the community.
“During our campaign visits, the people requested a hospital, and today that hospital is fully operational and serving the people of Dandume,” he said.
He assured residents of sustained investment in healthcare and other essential services, while acknowledging security challenges in the area and promising continued efforts to protect lives and property.
He stressed that improved security was essential for farmers to access their farmlands and traders to conduct businesses freely, emphasising collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders.
Governor Radda also conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s greetings to the traditional rulers and people of Dandume, reaffirming the importance of Federal and State Government collaboration in delivering development.
Earlier, the Representative of the District Head of Dandume, Alhaji Jafaru Ibrahim (Katukan Katsina), commended Governor Radda for fulfilling several commitments made during previous visits, particularly in healthcare, education, religious infrastructure and roads.
He acknowledged the completion of requested clinics, the comprehensive health centre, a mosque project and the Model Primary School.
“Just as His Excellency came here previously and made commitments, he has kept his word. By the grace of Allah, almost every single project and commitment he mentioned has been fulfilled,” he said.
The District Head also appealed for improved road networks, stronger security interventions and sustained educational opportunities through scholarships and modern school initiatives.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Dandume Local Government Alhaji Bishir Sabiu Gyazama appreciated the Governor for responding to several requests presented by the council, noting that some outstanding matters were still undergoing necessary administrative processes.
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