Radda: We’ve Restored Dignity, Strengthened Traditional Institutions in Katsina

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has emphasized his administration's dedication to restoring dignity and fortifying traditional institutions throughout Katsina State. Traditional rulers are seen by the governor as essential allies in preserving peace and fostering grassroots development. During a visit to the District Head of Kankara, Justice Alhaji Adamu Bello, the Sarkin Pauwan Katsina, other traditional leaders, Islamic scholars and community figures, the governor stressed that consulting with traditional rulers prior to significant political events has been a steady practice under his term.

The Radda administration acknowledges the crucial role traditional institutions play in fostering peace, enhancing community relations and promoting development. To reinforce their status, various steps have been taken to restore their dignity and bolster their positions.

Among his administration's accomplishments, Governor Radda disclosed that gratuity payments have been approved and distributed to 14,560 recipients across Katsina's 34 local government areas and Local Education Authorities, addressing inherited retirement and death-benefit liabilities. The state government currently owes no contractor for completed projects, with outstanding payments reserved for those with unfinished works.

He credited the economic reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for bolstering the financial ability of state governments to meet their responsibilities.

Radda highlighted the Community Development Programme (CDP) as a key initiative aimed at bringing governance closer to the people by engaging district heads, Islamic scholars and community leaders in the planning and execution of development plans across the wards. The governor noted that these measures were implemented to bolster grassroots participation and guarantee that development benefits the local communities.

In response for the traditional rulers, District Head of Kankara, Justice Bello, praised the Radda administration for restoring peace and stability in the region. He specifically recognized the government's efforts in resolving disputes over access to clean water through dialogue and collaboration with Fulani leaders. The district head also commended the ongoing renovation of General Hospital, Kankara, and the approval of a secondary school for the Mabai community, urging for swift project implementation.

He further advocated for enhanced security around educational institutions and continued investment in major and feeder roads to connect rural farming communities with markets and economic opportunities. Earlier, Kankara Local Government Area Chairman Hon. Alhaji Kasimu Dantsoho Katoge described the governor's visit as a valuable occasion to strengthen the collaboration between government, traditional institutions and the broader community.