Katsina governor commissions 152 houses, releases N500m grants for Jibia IDPs

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has inaugurated a 152-unit Mass Housing Scheme for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area. The initiative, a product of partnership between the Katsina State Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the governments of Germany and Norway, aims to provide shelter and restore livelihoods.

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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

"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," Governor Radda stated during the commissioning ceremony. The state government contributed land, perimeter walls, a worship center, a school, drainage systems, access roads, and furniture to the housing project.

Beyond housing, the government has channeled ₦500 million as free grants to 500 Jibia indigenes through the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency. This fund is intended to revive small businesses and restore livelihoods, fostering economic recovery in the area. Governor Radda highlighted the positive impact, noting that Jibia has not recorded a single deliberate attack or kidnapping in the past year.

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Farmers have returned to their fields. Markets are reopening. Children are back in school. Prices of staple foods are easing. Across the State, productivity has risen and hope is rising where fear once reigned.

"Farmers have returned to their fields. Markets are reopening. Children are back in school. Prices of staple foods are easing," he said, adding, "Across the State, productivity has risen and hope is rising where fear once reigned." He urged communities to safeguard the peace, emphasizing that "Peace is not the work of government alone. It is built in every household, every market, every mosque and church, every classroom." The governor also extended an invitation for dialogue and reintegration to armed elements.

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Peace is not the work of government alone. It is built in every household, every market, every mosque and church, every classroom

Ms Elsie G Attafuah, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, commended the Katsina State Government's commitment and leadership, noting that "Today’s investments are not the end of the story. They are the foundation for what comes next." She stressed the inseparability of development and peace, with investments in housing, livelihoods, and opportunity serving as anchors for stability. German Ambassador Anneth Gunther also assured continued collaboration.

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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