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Segun Olaniyan
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has commissioned 152 Mass Housing Scheme for Internally Displaced Persons, and Solar Mini Grid in Jibia Local Government Area.
Radda, speaking shortly before commissioning the project on Thursday, noted that the housing project is the fruit of government partnership alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Government through GIZ, and the Norwegian Government.
“What was then a vision is today a living reality. Recall vividly, we gathered in October 2024 to flag-off these projects. That is what hope, partnership, and resolute action can build together,” the Governor said.
He added that the State Government provided land, perimeter walls, a worship centre, a school, drainage systems, access roads, and furniture, while government also channelled ₦500 million as free grants to 500 Jibia indigenes through the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency to revive small businesses and restore livelihoods.
The Governor maintained that Jibia Local Government Area has not recorded a single deliberate attack or kidnapping over the past year, stressing that farmers have returned to their fields, Markets are reopening, Children are back in school and Prices of staple foods are easing.
“Across the State, productivity has risen and hope is rising where fear once reigned. He reiterated his determination that the insecurity plaguing the region will be consigned to history,” he furthered.
The Governor called on communities to guard the fragile peace. “Peace is not the work of government alone. It is built in every household, every market, every mosque and church, every classroom,” he said.
He further extended an olive branch to armed elements, stating “There is a better way. The doors of dialogue, repentance, and reintegration remain open. Lay down your arms. Come back to your families. Come back to your communities”.
Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, the Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, earlier, commended the Katsina State Government’s leadership and commitment, highlighting the State’s co-financing contributions as proof of local ownership.
“Today’s investments are not the end of the story. They are the foundation for what comes next. They are helping to create the conditions for recovery, resilience and long-term development”,
He noted that development itself is one of the ways peace is built. The two are inseparable. Investment in housing, livelihoods, and opportunity becomes an anchor for stability.
Also speaking, German Ambassador, Anneth Gunther, appreciated Katsina State Government’s substantial matching fund towards the completion of the commissioned facilities.
The German Ambassador assured Katsina State Government of Germany’s continued commitment to strengthening collaboration with UNDP in exploring opportunities to further expand stabilization, recovery, resilience, and prevention programmes across Katsina State and the Northwest region.
Prof. Abdulhameed Ahmed Mani, the state Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, in his welcome address, gave a detailed project’s scope, stating that, construction began in October 2024 and completed around mid-2025, with each of the 152 houses consisting of two bedrooms, toilet, bathroom, and a large courtyard for small orchards and animal rearing—reflecting the local practice.
He said the beneficiary selection process was rigorous and transparent, adding that a committee comprising traditional rulers, elders, civil society representatives, youth, and government officials screened applicants from all eleven wards in the Local Government.
He disclosed that a special committee has been constituted to oversee the estate after commissioning with the mandate to ensure proper maintenance and peaceful coexistence among residents.
In the same vein, the National Security Adviser, represented by the Director Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Ambassador Abimbola Wonosiko, said the project demonstrate the power of partnership in advancing peace, security and sustainable development.
On his part, Hon. Sirajo Ado Jibia, the Chairman Jibia Local Government, saluted Governor Radda-led government and UNDP for selecting the state government as the beneficiary of these housing units and other developmental projects.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal, Speaker Nasir Yahaya Daura, Chief of Staff, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, government officials, development partners from within and outside Nigeria, and other security stakeholders.