Gov Radda Approves 20.37km Roads, Cuts Private School Fees, Launches Innovation Hub

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has approved a series of policies and infrastructure projects aimed at boosting youth innovation, improving education, expanding road infrastructure, strengthening water supply, tackling flooding and protecting women and girls across the state.

The approvals were granted during the 10th Regular Meeting of the Katsina State Executive Council for 2026, held on Wednesday at the General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB) House in Katsina.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, said the council approved the establishment of an Innovation Unit at the Katsina Youth Craft Village Centre under the Ministry of Higher, Vocational and Technical Education.

According to him, the facility will serve as a technology, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship hub designed to equip young people with practical skills needed to drive innovation and contribute to the state's economic development.

"The Innovation Unit will provide young people with the skills, knowledge and opportunities required to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of Katsina State," he said.

The council also approved a reduction in annual renewal and revalidation fees charged to private schools following a request from the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools.

Under the new rates, the annual renewal fee has been reduced from ₦210,000 to ₦140,000, while the revalidation fee has been cut from ₦200,000 to ₦120,000.

Zango said the decision is intended to support private schools, preserve jobs, retain qualified teachers and improve the quality of education across the state.

In the area of infrastructure, the Executive Council approved contracts for the construction of 20.37 kilometres of township roads across three local government areas.

The projects include the 3-kilometre dualisation of Mashi Township Road, 6.67 kilometres of roads in Bakori, and 10.7 kilometres of roads in Malumfashi.

Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Engr. Sani Magaji Ingawa, said the projects are part of the Radda administration's commitment to improving road infrastructure and boosting economic activities across the state.

"The road projects will improve connectivity, facilitate economic activities and enhance the quality of life for residents in the benefiting communities," he said.

The council also approved the award of contracts for 2026 flood and erosion control projects in 37 communities identified by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) as vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season.

Commissioner for Water Resources, Mannir Ayuba Sullubawa, said the intervention is aimed at protecting lives and property from the impact of flooding.

"This intervention is a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding lives, protecting communities and reducing the devastating effects of flooding across vulnerable areas of the state," he said.

The Water Resources Ministry also secured approval for an addendum to the Zobe Phase 1B Water Supply Project, extending potable water supply to Rimi and Safana townships.

Sullubawa said the project is designed to improve access to safe drinking water and ensure equitable distribution to the benefiting communities.

"Access to clean and safe water remains a priority of this administration, and this approval represents another significant step towards meeting the water needs of our growing communities," he said.

On gender issues, the Executive Council received an advocacy delegation from the Nigeria Governors' Spouses Forum on strengthening efforts to prevent gender-based violence in the state.

Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Aminu Malumfashi, said the delegation was led by the First Lady of Katsina State, Hajiya Zulaihatu Dikko Radda, alongside officials of the Nigeria Governors Forum and the Ford Foundation.

She disclosed that Governor Radda signed a communiqué reaffirming the state's commitment to protecting women and girls from violence, abuse, intimidation and discrimination.

According to her, the governor pledged to continue implementing policies and programmes that strengthen institutional mechanisms for preventing gender-based violence while promoting a safer and more inclusive society.

The approvals reflect the Katsina State Government's focus on youth empowerment, education, infrastructure development, water security, disaster mitigation and social protection as part of its broader development agenda.