From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has organised a statewide grassroots consultation to gather citizens’ inputs for the proposed 2026 budget.
The initiative, tagged “Needs Assessment and Citizen Collection”, was conducted simultaneously in 361 wards across the 34 local government areas of the state.
The meetings brought together community and traditional rulers, youth groups, women associations, religious leaders, politicians, and top government officials to identify priority needs for inclusion in the upcoming budget.
Speaking at the Gwajo-Gwajo ward meeting in Mai’adua Local Government Area, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, Yau Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, commended the state government for initiating the process, which he described as a first in Katsina’s history.
“For the first time, a town hall meeting is being held to hear directly from the people about their needs for inclusion in the budget,” he said. “This platform allows people at the grassroots to come together, discuss their challenges, and build trust in government activities.”
Gwajo-Gwajo explained that participants at the meetings were encouraged to identify problems affecting their communities, analyse them, and forward them to the government for consideration.
He said demands raised included the provision of potable water, construction of feeder roads and schools, and early distribution of fertiliser during the rainy season.
“Let me assure the people that the government has heard their voices and is committed to addressing these problems in the proposed 2026 state budget,” he added.
The Special Adviser also said Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration would sustain such town hall engagements beyond budget consultations, using them to promote unity, peace, and community development.
He urged community leaders to mobilise residents for self-help development projects and called for continuous prayers for peace in the state.