From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
A Katsina lawmaker, Senator Muhtari Mohammed Dandutse, representing the Funtua Senatorial Zone, has distributed empowerment and food items to orphans, women, youths, religious leaders, and farmers in the state.
The items distributed included 3,792 bags of rice, 3,795 bags of maize flour, and 5,439 bags of fertilizer. Other items were 510 grinding machines, 384 tricycles, 1,000 bags of maize, and 1,640 improved rice seeds.
Speaking at the event in Funtua, Senator Dandutse said the distribution aimed to generate income, boost food production, and alleviate the suffering of beneficiaries. He emphasized that this initiative is an annual event during Ramadan and pledged to continue the empowerment program.
The senator also highlighted that his constituency office had previously provided food items and cash assistance to selected religious leaders across eleven local governments in the Funtua Senatorial Zone. Additionally, solar-powered security lights were installed in 117 wards of Islamic schools to support teaching and learning.
To address security challenges, motorcycles were provided to vigilante groups, the police, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and other security agencies. Senator Dandutse reassured security personnel of his continued support and urged residents to provide useful information to security agencies regarding criminal activities.
He also commended the federal government for establishing the Federal University of Health Sciences and praised the state government’s decision to site the university in Funtua.
In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, commended Senator Dandutse for initiating the empowerment program and urged beneficiaries to utilize the items effectively.
He also announced a personal donation of N24 million to be shared among the beneficiaries. Additionally, he reassured the people of Katsina South of his support for the creation of Karaduwa State.
Deputy Chairman of the APC in Katsina, Bala Abu Musawa, called on residents to continue praying for lasting peace in the state.
He also urged elected officials to initiate programs to alleviate people’s hardships, especially given the current economic challenges.
Katsina State Deputy Governor, Faruk Jobe, stated that the empowerment initiative aligns with the state government’s efforts to improve livelihoods.
He reaffirmed Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s commitment to job creation for youths and women through skill acquisition programs.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, Senator Abu Ibrahim, members of the National and State Assemblies, local government chairmen, APC supporters, and representatives from JAMB and the Federal Ministry of Education.