Governor Radda storms Kurfi, flags off empowerment programme, says no polling unit that haven’t felt government presence

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, stormed Kurfi Local Government Area to a rousing welcome as he flagged off a major empowerment programme for residents of the community.

The Governor praised the people of Kurfi for their warm reception, noting that their unwavering support strengthens the bond between government and the grassroots. He added that the turnout reaffirms his administration’s determination to reach every ward and deliver meaningful development across the state.

Governor Radda appreciated the longstanding support he enjoyed from the people of Kurfi.

“Kurfi has given us a very warm reception. We appreciate this,” he said. “During the campaign, we came here seeking your votes, and by Allah’s will, you gave us your mandate. Now that we have spent almost two and a half years in office, we felt it necessary to return to the people who supported us.”

The Governor flagged off a major empowerment programme executed under the leadership of the Executive Chairman of Kurfi Local Government, Hon. Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi. The 2025 Business Empowerment Programme featured a wide range of items targeted at youths, women, community groups, staff, and vulnerable households.

The distribution included 5 Peugeot 206 cars for selected councillors and 2 modern health vehicles for General Hospital Kurfi and CHC Kurfi. Another 100 vehicles were distributed to supervisory councillors, L.E.A staff, the Office of the Judge, E-Birth Registrars, NUT members, health workers, NULGE officials, APC chairmen, and youths.

Additionally, the programme provided 1,000 bicycles for Rumfa members and LGA staff, 1,000 pasta machines and 1,000 bags of 50kg foodstuff for women, and 250 sewing bicycles for women leaders and youths. Tea vendors and food sellers also received 1,000 packs of Indomie noodles and 1,000 crates of eggs. Cash support ranging from ₦150 to ₦4,000 was also given to beneficiaries.

In total, 3,445 residents of Kurfi LGA will benefit from the empowerment programme.

Governor Radda also acknowledged the support of the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Scholarship Board, Dr. Aminu Tsaari, who provided 5,000 exercise books, 200 cartons of chalk, 50 school uniforms, 50 pairs of sandals with socks, and ₦1.5 million in support of pupils, teachers, and SSAs across the LGA.

The Governor emphasized the administration’s statewide progress.

“In Katsina today, we have executed projects in every one of the 361 wards. There is no polling unit that has not felt the presence of government,” he said.

He praised Hon. Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi for aligning local government priorities with state development goals.

“The Chairman is following our example. He has not left anyone behind in Kurfi’s empowerment programmes,” he said.

Governor Radda urged the people of Kurfi to sustain unity and cooperation to attract more development.

He explained that the purpose of his visit was to interact with district heads, ward leaders, community leaders, stakeholders, political party executives, organisations, and business groups to deepen grassroots engagement.

Responding to appeals from the District Head of Kurfi, Governor Radda gave several assurances.

“Kurfi is among the frontline local governments that will benefit from the Zobe Water Project. Very soon, you will begin to enjoy this service,” he said.

On the Birchi–Wurma 7km road, the Governor explained:
“I have discussed it with your member at the National Assembly. He has promised to include it in the 2026 Federal Constituency Projects. Insha Allah, it will take off next year.”

He further announced that the rehabilitation of the Mai Mani Dam would begin by February next year. “It is already in our plan,” he added.

Governor Radda also revealed that several community-based proposals had been handed over to the LGA Chairman for execution.

He described Kurfi as “a centre of education, blessed with prominent personalities and respected community leaders across Nigeria,” and extended condolences over past insecurity challenges in the area.

“We sympathize with the people of Kurfi over the security challenges you have faced. We have worked hard to stabilize these areas, and we will continue to do more,” he said.

Former Katsina Central Senator and Chairman of the Kurfi Stakeholders’ Forum, Senator Abdullahi Kabir Barkiya, expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s visit, describing it as “a mark of respect and solidarity.”
He praised Governor Radda’s developmental efforts across the state, noting that Kurfi has already felt the impact.

“We want to assure His Excellency that the people of Kurfi are fully behind him at every stage. We have seen real change here,” he stated.

Earlier In his welcome address, Hon. Abdullahi Babangida Kurfi expressed gratitude to the Governor for his mentorship and support.

“I thank His Excellency, the Governor, who brought me into politics barely six months ago,” he said. “Because of the autonomy and trust you have given to local governments, we are able to empower the good people of Kurfi.”

He reaffirmed the community’s loyalty to the administration and prayed for lasting peace.

“We support you wholeheartedly, and we pray to Allah to bring an end to insecurity in Katsina State and Nigeria at large,” he said.

The Governor was joined by top government officials and political leaders, including the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon Nasir Yahya Daura, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua; Former Governor Barrister Ibrahim Shehu Shema; Member representing Dutsinma/Kurfi Federal Constituency, Hon. Aminu Balele Dan Arewà and Member representing Dutsi/Mashi Federal Constituency,Hon Yusuf Majigiri.

Also present were the Chief of Staff to the Governor Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Principal Private Secretary, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; among other members of Katsina State Executive Council.