By: Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
This very minute, I feel so much elated to put pen into paper on one of the remarkable happenings in Katsina State. Have you ever imagined a government where your voice, yes, your actual voice, matters in deciding what projects come to your community? Well, that’s exactly what Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, has made possible Katsina with his game changing Community Development Programme (CDP).
For years, I’ve observed and analyzed Nigerian politics, and I must say, this is leadership reimagined. Governor Radda isn’t just another politician making empty promises; he’s a strategic thinker who understands that real development starts from the bottom up. His CDP initiative is nothing short of brilliant – establishing Community Centres in all 361 wards of Katsina State. Think about that for a moment. Every single political ward, no matter how remote, now has a direct line to the government ears.
What strikes me most about Governor Radda’s approach is its practicality. This is a leader who first wage war against insecurity through the Community Watch Corps with over 2,000 members, and now he’s addressing development challenges through these community centres. It’s like watching a master chess player – each move is calculated and purposeful.
The beauty of Radda’s CDP lies in its simplicity yet comprehensive nature. Infrastructure? Check. Social care? Topnotch. Education? Absolutely. But here’s the game-changer – the communities themselves get to decide their priorities. No more sitting in government houses making assumptions about what communities need. The people now have a real say in the budgeting process.
And let’s talk about Governor Radda’s personal commitment to this initiative. He’s not delegating this to some bureaucrat; he’s chairing the Programme Steering Committee himself. Isn’t that leadership by example?! When was the last time you saw a governor so personally invested in ensuring grassroots development actually works?
What impresses me most is how Governor Radda has structured this programme to be non-partisan. In today’s Nigeria, where everything seems to be about party politics, here’s a leader saying, “This is for everyone, regardless of political inclination or residence.” That’s statesmanship at its finest.
The programme’s design is particularly clever. Each community centre has three offices – one for development, another for social support, and a third for learning. It’s like having a mini-government right in your backyard. And the best part? The staff will be recruited from the local government workforce, meaning they understand the community’s needs firsthand and uninterrupted.
Critics might ask, “How is this different from other government programmes?” Well, here’s the thing – Radda isn’t just throwing money at problems. He’s creating a sustainable system that will outlive his administration. He’s even pushing for legislation to protect this initiative. That’s forward thinking!
May I put it plainly that what Governor Radda has done with the CDP is revolutionary in Nigerian governance. He’s essentially saying, “The people know what they need better than anyone else, so let’s give them the power to make those decisions.” In my years of analyzing governance in Nigeria, I’ve rarely seen such a well-thought-out approach to community development and social development.
Governor Radda has proven himself to be more than just an administrator; he’s a visionary leader who understands that true development must be inclusive and community-driven. This CDP initiative isn’t just changing how governance works in Katsina; it’s setting a new standard for participatory governance in Nigeria.
Take it from someone who’s seen various governance models – this is how you build a lasting legacy. Governor Radda isn’t just governing; he’s transforming the very fabric of governance in Katsina State. And mark my words, other states will soon be looking to Katsina as a model for true grassroots development.
Now, that’s what I call leadership with a purpose! A route to achieving the Building Your Future Plan. Indeed, Governor Radda is bringing governance to the grassroots. Going forward, let’s put eyes on the ball as the State Government promises a sufficient healthcare for all.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
