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Tag: Katsina State

  • Katsina governor appoints his deputy as 2025 Amirul-Hajj

    Katsina governor appoints his deputy as 2025 Amirul-Hajj

    Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, has approved the appointment of the state’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Faruq Lawal-Jobe, as the Head of the state delegation (Amirul-Hajj) to the forthcoming 2025 pilgrimage.

    This is contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Faskari, in Katsina on Friday,

    According to Faskari, the governor announced this while constituting a 12-member state delegation for 2025 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

    He said that other leaders of the delegation, included the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alh. Nasiru Yahaya, Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Ishaq Shehu-Dabai, Alh. Shafi’u Abdu-Duwan, Shehu Abdu-Daura and Justice Aminu Tukur.

    Others are, Alh. Lawal Attahiru-Bakori, Sheikh Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), Sheikh Naziru Kofar-Baru, Umar Abubakar and Alh. Aliyu Hussaini, while the governor’s office is to provide the secretary.

    According to Faskari, leaders of the delegation are to monitor and supervise all operational activities both at home and in the Holy land, so as to ensure a successful Hajj.

    “Other terms of reference include ensuring a hitch free airlift and return journey of all the state pilgrims and to perform any other functions as are necessary for the success of the exercise.

    “The Hajj delegation is expected to submit a comprehensive report to the governor on completion of the Hajj exercise,” Faskari said.

    He explained that Radda wished the delegation, the state Pilgrims Welfare Board and the intending pilgrims Allah’s guidance throughout the Hajj operations.

    The secretary to the state government disclosed that the delegation would soon be formally inaugurated by the governor, to enable it to commence its activities.

  • Nine dead in tragic Katsina road accident

    Nine dead in tragic Katsina road accident

    At least nine people have lost their lives in a fatal road crash on Sunday morning along the Malumfashi-Kafur Road in Katsina State.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the Katsina State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aliyu Ma’aji, in a statement confirmed the incident, after which attributed the incident to speeding and loss of control.

    Ma’aji said the crash involved a lone Hummer bus carrying 20 passengers.

    “Nine passengers died on the spot, while 11 others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment,” he said.

    He urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly during festive periods, and warned against speeding, overloading, and reckless driving.

    “Despite the state government’s efforts to improve road infrastructure, reckless driving remains a major cause of fatal accidents in Katsina,” Ma’aji stated.

    He reiterated the corps’ commitment to enforcing road safety regulations to curb the rising number of crashes in the state.

  • Katsina govt procures N36bn fertiliser for farmers

    Katsina govt procures N36bn fertiliser for farmers

    The Katsina State Government said it has spent over N36 billion to procure 20,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser during the 2024 farming season, among other farming activities.

    It added that it had  also provided 722 motorcycles and knapsack sprayers for use of 722 extension workers, deployed to serve in 361 wards across the state, to ensure effective monitoring.

    The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Faruq Lawal-Jobe, disclosed this during the state’s monthly news conference on Sunday  in Katsina.

    According to him, more  than N21.7 billion was also expended for the procurement of 400 tractors with full accessories, 2,000 hand planters and 10 combine harvesters.

    “This is with a view to providing our farmers with required agricultural implements, to boost food production in the state.

    “In addition, more than N790.5 million has been expended for the upgrade of seven zonal produce stores in Funtua, Daura, Katsina, Mani, Kankia, Kafinsoli and Malumfashi.

    “We will also resuscitate the Songhai Farm Centre at Makera in Dutsin-Ma Local Government, as well as the Cotton Value Chain, for an all-year-round farming,  to provide employment and economic viability of our people,” he said.

    Lawal-Jobe further explained that the ministry  had  also distributed newly introduced liquid fertilizer to enhance better yields.

    He added that the government had  also ensured the completion of the state’s Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA) project  at the headquarter  of the Ministry of Agriculture.

    “The State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA) has also conducted numerous activities for improvement of agriculture in the state.

    “Government has spent the sum of N273.6 million to carry out numerous activities for the development of agriculture.

    “These include the purchase and distribution of 40 motorcycles for monitoring activities. Additionally, agro chemicals for pest control were distributed to farmers,” he said.

    In order to utilise the services of the earlier mentioned 722 extension workers, Lawal-Jobe said 54,150 moringa seedlings were distributed to farmers across the state.

    According to him, a total of 150 women were trained and empowered on backyard gardening and formulation of nutritive food supplement.

    “Furthermore, KTARDA had conducted farmer data exercise across the state to ascertain the number of farming populace and related data, the crop value chain, farm size and location.

    “This activity serves as a guide to determine accuracy in data management and facilitate easy access to farming population for appropriate assistance.

    “The agency has also participated in National and State Agriculture Shows, to showcase the massive agricultural potentials of the state,” the deputy governor stated.

    According to him, in a bid to ensure sufficient supply of agricultural inputs and implements to enhance agricultural  yield by farmers across the state, a total of N386.1 million was expended under the Farmers Supply Company Ltd (FASCOKT).

    Lawal-Jobe said that the agency had undertaken the repairs of warehouses for storage of seeds, chemicals and agricultural implements in Funtua and Daura, in addition to repairs of one service centre.

    He added that assorted agrochemicals and improved seeds were also purchased and distributed to farmers, adding that their administration had also injected adequate resources, aimed at improving livestock  and grazing reserve activities.

  • NSCDC kills 4 suspected terrorists in Katsina

    NSCDC kills 4 suspected terrorists in Katsina

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Katsina Command has killed four suspected terrorists in Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Command, SC Buhari Hamisu, confirmed this in a statement on Monday. He said two separate attacks were repelled.

    According to him, operatives repelled an attack by suspected armed bandits who stormed the permanent site of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) on Feb. 21.

    “The gallant men of NSCDC attached to the university successfully neutralised three criminals, including the notorious Ayuba Buzaru, who stormed the institution as their route,” he said.

    The team also rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered some rustled goats, the NSCDC spokesman revealed.

    He added that NSCDC personnel, in a joint operation with the police, repelled another attack on Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve (Silo) in Darawa.

    Hamisu stated, “The valiant operatives overpowered the criminals, neutralising one suspected armed bandit, while others fled with gunshot wounds.”

    He confirmed that the body of the suspected criminal had been deposited at General Hospital Dutsinma.

    “The armed bandits have been attempting to attack the Silo, which stores grains distributed to people in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto,” he added.

    The Corps personnel also dispersed another group of suspected armed bandits at Gago Village, near Isah Kaita College of Education in Dutsinma.

    “The Command remains dedicated to promoting safety and security for the people of the state and Nigeria as a whole, while protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure,” he said.

  • Katsina varsity closed over students’ protest

    Katsina varsity closed over students’ protest

    The Management of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State has announced a one-week Mid-Semester break starting from Feb. 24.

    The closure of the school followed a protest embarked on by the students on Sunday after they alleged that the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) had shot to death one of their colleagues.

    The students’ protest continued Monday morning. Reports indicated that the JTF members on Sunday shot the student, alleging that he was an informant.

    The FUDMA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, announced the decision of the Senate to close the school in a statement issued in Katsina on Monday.

    Bichi further advised the students to leave campus before 6.00 p.m. on Feb. 24.

    “The Management wishes the students a happy and peaceful mid-semester break,” he said.

  • NNPP withdraws from Katsina LG election

    NNPP withdraws from Katsina LG election

    The New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) says it will not take part in the forthcoming local government elections in Katsina State, scheduled for Feb. 15.

    The state secretary of the party, Alhaji Tijjani Zakari-Kafinsoli, confirmed this in an interview in Katsina on Tuesday.

    According to him, the amount set for purchasing nomination forms by the state’s Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC) was too high, making it unaffordable for the party.

    He explained, “The KTSIEC has fixed ₦3 million for Chairmanship candidates and ₦1 million for Councillorship candidates.

    “We have 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 361 wards in the state, meaning the total cost for forms would be about ₦463 million.

    “As a party for the masses, we cannot afford such an amount. We wrote to KTSIEC in April 2024 to complain, but we have not received a response.”

    He added that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state had taken the electoral body to court over the same issue.

    Recall that on Aug. 31,  2024, NNPP had expressed confidence in winning Chairmanship and Councillorship positions in the local government elections.

    Addressing journalists in Katsina on Tuesday, KTSIEC Chairman, Alhaji Lawal Faskari, said only five political parties would participate in the election.

    These include Accord Party, Booth Party, African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and 11 other registered parties will also not be taking part in the election.

    According to Faskari, all arrangements have been finalised to ensure the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

  • 2027: Katsina elders deny withdrawing support for Tinubu

    2027: Katsina elders deny withdrawing support for Tinubu

    Members of the Katsina Elders Forum, a non-political group, have distanced themselves from a statement made by their Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, regarding Prof. Usman Yusuf’s arrest.

    At a recent press conference, Aliyu threatened that the people of Katsina would not support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

    Yusuf, the former National Health Insurance Scheme boss, was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Justice Sadiq Abdullahi-Mahuta, a member of the forum and Galadima Katsina, made their stance known during a briefing with newsmen in Katsina on Saturday.

    Abdullahi-Mahuta, also the District Head of Malumfashi, clarified that the forum is not opposed to calls for Yusuf’s release. However, they disapprove of the political nature of Aliyu’s statement.

    “This is not an elders’ language. It is not our position. We completely dissociate the Katsina Elders Forum from this statement.

    “Our forum is not for politics. We are a group of respected elders concerned about the development and progress of the state and Nigeria.

    “We are not part of the statement calling for Yusuf’s release or claiming the people of Katsina would not vote for the president in the upcoming elections,” he said.

    According to him, Yusuf’s arrest and detention is not the solution; he should either be released or face a fair trial in court.

    Abdullahi-Mahuta stressed that it is their right to make such calls, adding, “Thanks to Almighty Allah, he has been released.”

    He clarified that the purpose of the briefing was to make their stance clear — that they are not part of the political statement and that justice should prevail.

    The District Head further emphasised that every individual has the right to support and vote for any candidate they believe will meet their needs.

    Alhaji Ali Dangiwa, another forum member, stated that one of their constitution’s key objectives is to avoid interference in politics.

    “Therefore, if any member claims the forum has made a political statement, it is a misrepresentation,” he said.

    He further explained, “Something went wrong at the secretariat, which led to this situation.”

  • 50 years after, Yandadi community gets electricity

    50 years after, Yandadi community gets electricity

    Yandadi, a community in Kusada Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State has been connected to electricity, 50 years after its establishment.

    The Council Chairman, Alh. Rabiu Aliyu-Kusada, stated this in Kusada on Tuesday during an interactive session with journalists.

    The Chairman was represented by Alh. Haruna Abubakar, Director of Works in the local government.

    He explained that the community, home to thousands of residents, had been in darkness for decades.

    However, Gov. Dikko Radda’s administration recently connected the area to the national grid.

    The Chairman also revealed that Radda’s administration had reconnected several areas previously cut off due to damage from downpours.

    Speaking to journalists, community member, Malam Baba Audu, expressed gratitude, saying, “We had only seen poles passing through our community without light.

    “Now, for the first time in over 50 years, we have electricity. We are happy.”

    Malam Bala Wanzan, a local barber, said he was thrilled to see electricity in the community for the first time in history.

    He added that the new development would boost the local economy, stating, “With this, I’ll be able to use my clippers and become a modern barber.”

    In another development, the state government has begun constructing a bridge linking over 10 communities in Ingawa LGA.

    The ongoing project at Dan-Ashita village, awarded by the state government, is expected to be completed soon.

    Residents, including motorcycle riders, interviewed in the area, commended the government, saying their suffering would soon be over.

    Malam Hamisu Ashita, a motorcycle rider, explained that during the rainy season, they often had to abandon the route and find an alternative, sometimes through Jigawa state.

    He expressed appreciation for the government’s intervention, adding: “Once the bridge is completed, it will end our long-standing challenges in transporting farm produce to the market.”

  • Katsina Gov swears-in new Commissioner for Budget

    Katsina Gov swears-in new Commissioner for Budget

    Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has sworn-in the former Accountant General of the state, Alhaj Malik Anas as the new Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.

    The governor had recently, in a minor cabinet reshuffle, moved the Commissioner in the Ministry, Alhaji Bello Kagara, to Ministry of Finance.

    The commissioner, who was until his appointment, the Special Adviser to the governor on Banking and Finance, was sworn-in at a ceremony in Katsina on Wednesday.

    In his speech, the governor acknowledged his experience working with Anas as the accountant general, when he was the Chief of Staff to ex-Gov. Aminu Masari.

    Gov. Radda praised the new commissioner’s dedication, honesty and courage in public service.

    “Anas has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to truth and transparency in governance, qualities that are essential for this critical role,” the governor admitted.

    He further emphasised the importance of maintaining high ethical standards in public service, while encouraging the new commissioner to continue with his principled approach to governance.

    “There is no greater reward than the peace of mind that comes from doing what is right,” Radda reaffirmed.

    The governor expressed optimism that the new commissioner would use his vast experiences in serving the state.

    In his response, the new commissioner assured the governor and the people of Katsina, that he would do everything within his power to move the state forward.

  • Katsina govt earmarks N50b for water projects

    Katsina govt earmarks N50b for water projects

    The Katsina State Government says it has earmarked about N50b to execute various water related projects across the state in the year 2025.

    The Managing Director of the State Water Board, Mr Tukur Tingilin, disclosed this in Katsina on Tuesday while inaugurating grievance redress committees.

    He also said that in 2025, the government would initiate various projects that would benefit the people, particularly in the provision of potable water across the state.

    According to Tingilin, the government has committed N8.4b in 2024  as part of a N20b World Bank supported project to overhaul, upgrade, and rehabilitate water facilities in 20 communities across five local government areas (LGAs) in the state.

    Tingilin explained that the aim of the project under World Bank NG-SURWASH was to improve water supply and infrastructure in the state.

    According to him, the project would also involve the replacement of obsolete pipes, installation of new water systems, and general facility upgrades.

    Tingili explained that extensive consultations with stakeholders in affected communities were conducted to ensure the success of the initiative.

    He said the grievance redress committees were inaugurated for Katsina/Batagarawa, Daura, Funtua Dutsinma and Malumfashi LGAs to ensure intervention whenever the need arises between the communities and contractors regarding the projects being executed.

    “For instance, while executing the projects, and it passes through someone’s shop, the committee will intervene to ensure that the affected residents are compensated.

    “Compensated in the sense that, when a water pipe is passing through the shop, the committee will ensure that anything broken, must be fixed back.

    “The committee is also responsible to monitor the project’s implementation, to ensure it meets the required quality and specifications,” he said.

    Tingilin explained that the upgrade of some water facilities across the communities was to meet up with the growing population in the areas.

    “When those facilities were provided, the residents were not more than 200, but now they have increased to thousands.

    “Those communities will also be provided with more water tanks, boreholes, solar facilities, and also ensure their maintenance.

    “Government is targeting to replace with the new, the old installed pipes across the Katsina metropolis, because the areas are no longer supplied with the water.

    “This will enable the residents to have a clean and potable water supply in their houses. And we are also targeting to connect many extension areas with water lines.”

    Tingilin said the Gov. Dikko Radda administration remains committed to ensuring that no community is left without water supply.

    In his remarks, the District Head of Malumfashi, Justice Sadiq Abdullahi-Mahuta, lauded the initiative and assured the traditional institution support towards its successful execution.