From Mu’awiya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Governor, Umar Dikko Radda, on Monday flagged off the disbursement of over N15.390 million to 727 vulnerable persons, including the disabled, women and other groups in Kaita Local Government Area of the state.
The cash assistance was provided by the Executive Chairman of the Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Kabir Magaji Gafia, under his foundation.
Speaking at the event, Radda commended Gafia for what he described as a commendable humanitarian gesture aimed at alleviating the suffering of the less privileged, particularly during the Ramadan period.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari, the governor recalled that the foundation had last year supported over 500 vulnerable persons in the area.
He called on other elected officials and political appointees to emulate the initiative by extending assistance to the needy in their constituencies.
“Our administration will continue to support and encourage individuals who are working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our people,” he said. “I urge the beneficiaries to make good use of the cash assistance given to them.”
The governor also appealed to residents of the state to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray for the sustenance of peace and stability in Katsina State and the country at large.
Earlier, Dr Gafia said the disbursement formed part of his personal contribution to the welfare of his constituents.
“This support is my modest contribution to the people of Kaita, especially the disabled, vulnerable persons, women groups, youths and party members,” he said, pledging to sustain the initiative annually to cover more communities across the area.
In his remarks, the member representing Kaita Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Sirojo Kaskaro, said the disbursement would stimulate economic activities in the area.
He urged political office holders from the area to adopt a collective approach towards tackling poverty and improving the living standards of the people.