Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called for deliberate planning and investment to match the state’s growing population with jobs, health care, education and basic infrastructure.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad chief press secretary to the Governor ,said in his message to mark World Population Day 2026, Governor Radda said population growth must be treated as both a challenge and an opportunity. He said government policies will focus on turning Katsina’s large and youthful population into a productive workforce.
“We must plan with numbers. Every child born, every young person entering the job market, and every family seeking health care must be accounted for in our budget and programmes,” the Governor said.
He added that the state government cannot afford planning by guesswork, but strengthen data collection, expand access to family planning services, invest in skills training, and create an enabling environment for MSMEs to absorb our youth into productive work.
Governor Radda directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to align their 2026 work plans with current population data. He said priority will be given to maternal health, girl-child education, youth employment, and food security in line with the state’s development agenda.
He further urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society and the media to join government in sensitizing communities on responsible family size and the benefits of birth registration.
The Governor also congratulated the Representative for Katsina State at the National Population Commission, Professor Sadiq Isa Radda, on his inauguration.
Professor Sadiq Isa Radda was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Governor Radda expressed confidence that Professor Radda will bring his wealth of experience to bear in ensuring Katsina gets proper representation and credible data at the national level.