Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has inaugurated Community Level Committee that will determine how development projects are conceived and implemented in Katsina State.
Governor Radda conducted the official inauguration today, at the Local Government Commission Conference Hall. The Governor announced that community members will now have the primary role in determining projects and programs for their respective areas.
“The committees will comprise diverse representatives, including members from Darika and Izala religious sects, youth and women groups, local security personnel, ward councillors and key local government officials,” the Governor explained.
Governor Radda emphasized that the new approach will extend to critical government interventions, including the upcoming distribution of power tillers, solar-powered pumps, livestock, and other agricultural inputs.
The Governor further that community level committees will be responsible for identifying target beneficiaries, with the governor strongly encouraging members to ensure only genuine and deserving recipients are considered.
The Governor frankly noted that no government official, politician or influential figure will have the power to interfere with or manipulate the committee’s mandates, ensuring a transparent and democratic process.
Speaking at the inaugural occasion, State Commissioner for Finance, overseeing the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ministry, Malam Bashir Tanimu Gambo, highlighted the initiative potential to promote transparency and accountability.
Gambo revealed that the state had conducted sensitization programmes across all 27 local governments to explain the committees’ powers and boundaries.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator for Community Development Programme, Dr. Kamaludeen Kabir described the Community Level Committees as a visionary initiative designed to provide policy direction and budget implementation guidance with full electorate participation.
Dr. Kamaludeen explained that the programme features critical components: a steering committee led by the Governor, a joint planning committee under the Deputy Governor’s leadership and the community level committee responsible for project identification.
“As part of the comprehensive rollout, over 1,083 local government staff have been trained across the state’s 361 electoral wards to support the community-led development approach,” Dr. Kamaludeen concluded.
It is however important to note that the newly inaugurated Community Level Committee is part of the operational framework of the Katsina State Community Development Programme (KSCDP) earlier launched on the 21st November, 2024 by Governor Radda-led administration.
