* Programme Targets Communities Affected by Insecurity, Strengthens Economic Recovery –Radda Reveals
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched the KASEDA/UNDP Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Support Programme in Batsari Local Government Area to empower citizens through sustainable economic opportunities.
A statement signed by the chief press secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim kaula Mohammad said the Governor made this known during the official launch and distribution of the programme at Cherish Institute, Batsari.
Beneficiaries who had earlier completed SME skills training in various business categories received startup support packages and business tools to establish or expand their businesses.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda said the Katsina State Government, in partnership with the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has continued to implement programmes aimed at improving the lives of citizens, particularly those affected by insecurity.
“Our administration remains committed to creating opportunities that will restore hope and improve livelihoods. Through our partnership with KASEDA and UNDP, we have continued to implement programmes that directly benefit our people, especially communities affected by insecurity,” Governor Radda said.
The Governor recalled that the partnership has delivered several interventions across the state
These include the construction of 150 housing units for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area, as well as livelihood restoration and economic recovery programmes in Batsari, Faskari and other frontline local government areas.
Governor Radda explained that the MSME Support Programme was designed to help communities affected by insecurity rebuild their livelihoods through entrepreneurship and small businesses.
He noted that all beneficiaries had earlier undergone comprehensive SME skills training in different business categories.
The training equipped them with practical entrepreneurial and business management skills before they received startup support packages and business tools.
“We want our people to become self-reliant. Government cannot provide jobs for everyone, but by supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses, we can create sustainable sources of income for our citizens,” the Governor stated.
Governor Radda urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the support provided to them.
He said the intervention should become a foundation for economic independence rather than dependence on government assistance.
“The support you are receiving today is an opportunity to transform your lives. Use these resources wisely, grow your businesses, support your families and become employers of labour within your communities,” he added.
The Governor further disclosed that beneficiaries under the Nano Business category would receive support worth approximately ₦150,000 each.
He added that beneficiaries under the Small Business category would receive assistance valued at about ₦320,000 each.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Dr. Babangida Ruma, said the programme is being implemented through a partnership between the Katsina State Government, KASEDA and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
He explained that the initiative is designed to strengthen economic resilience, restore livelihoods and promote inclusive entrepreneurship in communities affected by insecurity.
Dr. Ruma said Governor Radda remains committed to attracting development partnerships that improve the economic wellbeing of the people of Katsina State.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor Hon. Mal Faruk Lawal; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers; representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); development partners; community leaders.
