Katsina governor reaffirms commitment to child welfare, inclusive education

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has declared that his administration's policies are designed with children's futures in mind, reaffirming a commitment to their welfare, education, and inclusion. Speaking in a statement to commemorate National Children's Day, Radda emphasized that children are "the heartbeat of today," and all government investments are ultimately for their benefit.

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Today belongs to our children. They are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, they are the heartbeat of today. Every policy we make, every naira we invest, and every structure we build is ultimately for them.

The governor pointed to tangible actions demonstrating this commitment. These include the appointment of Faruq Umar Lema, a young boy, as Special Assistant on Children’s Affairs, symbolizing the inclusion of children's voices in governance. Furthermore, the state has established three multi-million naira Model and Smart Secondary Schools in Radda, Jikamshi, and Dumurkul. These facilities are equipped with 24-hour electricity, internet, and advanced labs for robotics and artificial intelligence, aiming to provide technology-driven education to gifted children from rural and poor communities.

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He said the facilities boast 24-hour electricity, internet connectivity, robotics and artificial intelligence laboratories, and a fully digital learning ecosystem bringing technology-driven education to children who need it most.

These new schools will enroll 996 students following a transparent admission process that drew commendation from European Union diplomats and international education observers. The state has also partnered with the Gwagware Foundation to launch a Back to School Programme, targeting the reduction of out-of-school children. Governor Radda stated, "No child in Katsina should be roaming the streets when there is a classroom waiting for them." The administration has also introduced a Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools to protect students and teachers from various forms of violence and bullying.

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No child in Katsina should be roaming the streets when there is a classroom waiting for them. We are not just talking about inclusion, we are funding it, staffing it, and tracking it.

"We declared war on school violence because our children deserve peace in their classrooms," Radda asserted, also noting that the government covers examination fees to prevent children's futures from being held hostage by financial barriers.

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We declared war on school violence because our children deserve peace in their classrooms. And we paid their examination fees because no child’s future should be held hostage by an