My govt ‘ll invest more in children’s future, Radda assures Kastina people

Katsina State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in the well-being, education, and safety of all children in the state.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda reaffirmed this commitment in a strong message to mark this year’s International Children’s Day.

Governor Radda acknowledged the challenges faced by children in Katsina, including insecurity and malnutrition.

However, he emphasized that these challenges only strengthen the resolve to invest in children’s well-being, health, and education.

The theme for this year’s celebration, “Investing in Our Future Means Investing in Our Children,” resonated deeply with the Governor’s Building Your Future Agenda . A multi-pronged approach is being undertaken to address insecurity and malnutrition. This includes collaboration with community leaders and security forces, promoting peacebuilding initiatives, improved access to nutrition programs, and support for local agriculture.

Other measures implemented to tackle these issues include building and upgrading rehabilitation centers and remand homes across the state, and supporting the education of orphans and empowering widows of banditry victims. Over N114 million has been allocated so far to support victims of banditry and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Education is another key focus area for the Malam Radda-led government. The Katsina Governor is committed to enhancing school infrastructure, providing necessary learning materials, recruiting qualified teachers, and developing a curriculum that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills for children in the state.

As part of efforts to bridge the educational gap between less privileged children and the children of the elite, Governor Radda flagged off three new schools specifically designed to nurture the talents of gifted children from underprivileged backgrounds. These schools aim to provide a stimulating learning environment on par with those offered by elite institutions, ensuring all deserving children have the opportunity to excel.

To this effect, the government is building new schools and providing scholarships to help the state’s children get a quality education. This year alone, the Katsina State Government approved the construction of 75 new secondary schools and also paid examination fees for WAEC, NECO, and other boards, while providing customized learning materials for primary schools.

Investments are also being made in healthcare to ensure all children receive essential vaccinations.

Some of the healthcare investments to keep the State’s children healthy include:

* Empowering mothers with knowledge about proper child nutrition and hygiene.
* Sponsoring medical students to study abroad.
* Providing counterpart funding for UNICEF’s nutrition programs.
* Improving access to vaccines across the state.

Governor Radda emphasizes that investing in children is not just the government’s responsibility. It is a call to action for all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and community leaders. He urges all stakeholders to promote peace, advocate for child protection, and support educational initiatives.

Regrettably, the Katsina Governor noted that there are no quick fixes, but expressed hope that by working together with unwavering commitment, a brighter future can be built for Katsina’s children.