From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
Katsina State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (KT-CARES) has begun disbursing cash assistance to poor and vulnerable individuals, as well as to the families of fallen Community Watch Corps officers.
The cash assistance, provided under the Livelihood Support Programme, aims to empower beneficiaries to establish small businesses and improve their living standards.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of KT-CARES, Nafi’u Muhammad Musa, explained that the initiative was implemented under the directive of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
He revealed that 160 beneficiaries would be supported in the first phase, with plans to extend the program statewide. “We will disburse the assistance in phases, ensuring it reaches all parts of the state,” he said.
According to Muhammad, families of deceased Community Watch Corps members will each receive ₦100,000, while other vulnerable individuals will be given ₦50,000. Additionally, beneficiaries will receive business tools to help them start or expand their enterprises.
Muhammad emphasized that the program is being implemented in collaboration with the Community Watch Corps and the Department of Zakkat and Waqf. He urged beneficiaries to use the support wisely to improve their livelihoods.
In his remarks, the General Manager of the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Muhammad Dikko Abdul’aziz, stated that beneficiaries were selected from eight local government areas: Jibia, Safana, Batsari, Dutsinma, Dandume, Sabuwa, Kankara, and Faskari.
Abdul’aziz noted that the Livelihood Support Programme has significantly contributed to poverty reduction in the state.
One of the beneficiaries, Zainab Lawal Saulawa, expressed gratitude for the assistance, stating that it would help her establish a small-scale business. Zainab, who is currently caring for seven children due to her husband’s incapacitation, described the support as a lifeline for her family.
This initiative reflects the commitment of KT-CARES and the Katsina State Government to alleviate poverty and support those affected by banditry and other challenges in the state.
