Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has flagged-off the 4th Circle of the KT-CARES Programme with the sum of N3,955,420,486.35 expended on pro-masses initiative to enhance community development and address citizens socio-economic challenges.
The Governor, in his flag off speech on Tuesday at Malumfashi Township Stadium, declared that 65 communities will receive cheques between N11,000,000.00 to N2,000,000.00 as grants to implement various community-initiated projects based on their needs and aspirations.
Governor Radda also noted that 3,600 vulnerable individuals and households will be supported with Debit Cards as livelihood grants to assuage their socioeconomic challenges while 4,095 SMEs will be given business/skills operational grants between N100,000.00 to N500,000.00 as entrepreneurial development support.
Speaking of the inclusion of farmers, the Governor added that 19,068 will receive agricultural inputs and assets which include day old chickens, fish fingerlings, thrashers, power tillers, hammer millers, groundnut extraction machines, solar water pumps, amongst others.
Governor Radda emphasized that the state government committed the sum of N3,955,420,486.35 to bring the aforementioned interventions and support to fruition.
“We recognized the power of the people, not only at the polling unit, but in their capacity to think for themselves and act for themselves. We believe in and uphold their rights to self-esteem, to be engaged and consulted. This was why we initiated and launched the Community Development Programme,” the Governor explained.
Governor Radda, however, promised to sustain the tempo of engagement with the governed, noting that “Building Your Future Blueprint” will guide the government vision to build a Katsina State where every citizen, regardless of background or social standing is engaged and supported to pursue their dream.
Earlier, the Governor recalled that the State Government has expended the sum of N9,200,431,270.54 in the KT-CARES Programme 1st, 2nd and 3rd circles which cover disbursement of livelihood grants, support to over 1,920,000 citizens in 160 communities to provide basic development services in their localities, supported 23,800 farmers with agricultural inputs and assets, and disbursement of business operational financial grants and IT enhancement support to 3,835.
Governor Radda further implore all the beneficiaries of the support to make proper use of them, adding that he has directed KT-CARES operating teams to ensure adequate follow-ups periodically through monitoring and evaluation to assess the extent to which these supports are improving the lives of beneficiaries.
In his welcome remarks, the State Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Bello H. Kagara, recalled that Katsina state was ranked 1st from the bottom among the 36 states including FCT that implemented the NG-CARES Programme. This was contained in a publication by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Alhaji Kagara noted that the report got the Governor dissatisfied and subsequently, we discussed in detail the operational procedures and guidelines of the World Bank support P-for-R projects such as the NG-CARES.
“This discussion was what set the stage for all successes being recorded under the KT-CARES Programme. His Excellency injected funds into the programme and closely guided and monitored its implementation,” Kagara asserted.
The State Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, further commended the stewardship and guidance offered by the Governor to the KT-CARES Operation Staff.
“We are certainly opportune to have a leader of your calibre looking at the value and importance the programme has added and made in the promotion of citizens socioeconomic lives,” Kagara asserted.
The KT-CARES Coordinator, Malam Nafiu Mohammad Musa, in his vote of thanks, appreciate Governor Radda countless support for the programme.
He further assured the Government and people of Katsina State of continued commitment by the State CARES Coordinating Unit and Delivery Platform (CSDA, FADAMA and KASEDA).
The event had in attendance Members of the State Executive Council and thousands of beneficiaries across the state.
