Kaduna State Executive Council has approved the procurement of 6,000 metric tons of fertilizer, which translates to 120,000 bags of the farm input, to support smallholder farmers.

The meeting, chaired by Governor Uba Sani on Tuesday, was attended by Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe, Secretary to the State Government, Dr AbdulKadir Muázu Meyere, commissioners, and some senior government officials.

It will be recalled that the governor distributed 400 trucks of free fertilizer to 100,000 small holder farmers last August, in line with his farmer-first policy.

In 2024, Kaduna State executed its largest-ever fertilizer distribution, where over 500 trucks were also distributed to farmers, including other support for dry season farming.

Speaking at a press briefing after the State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki disclosed that the council also approved Phase II construction of township roads in Zaria and Sabon Gari local government areas of Kaduna State.

According to him, the projects will improve road infrastructure, facilitate the movement of people and goods, enhance economic activities, and improve access to communities within the metropolis.

The commissioner disclosed that the contract to construct six of the 11 roads was awarded to Messrs Mothercat Nigerian Limited. These roads include Babban Dodo-Durumi-Kofan Kuyanbana, Rimin Tsiwa-Kofan Gayan, and the road linking the secretariat to Albarkawa and Kaura.

Maiyaki also listed Maje Road, ⁠Turunku Road (Sabon Gari, Zaria), Waff Road (Sabon Gari, Zaria) and Layin Radio as the road projects that Mothercat will execute in Zaria and Sabon Gari local governments.

He further said that Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited will handle five roads project in the two area councils, which include Aba Road, Tudun Wada and ⁠ Turunku Road (Sabon Layi, Tudun Wada, Zaria).

According to him, CGC will also construct the Dadda’u Road (Layin M. Mamuda), Sheikh Umar Muazu Street and Idris Majeh Street, Fillin Mallawa

The commissioner said, “(The) council approved the Kaduna State Life Skills Policy, a landmark framework designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values required to succeed in education, employment, and life.

“The policy provides for the integration of life skills education into both formal and non-formal learning through curriculum development, effective teaching, and appropriate assessment frameworks.

“It also seeks to strengthen teacher capacity, promote socio-emotional learning and learner wellbeing, and enhance employability and entrepreneurship among young people.”

According to Maiyaki, Kaduna State is the first sub national in the entire country, to implement this important policy.

The commissioner also said that the council approved the Kaduna State Policy on Gender in Education, which provides a comprehensive framework for promoting equity, inclusion, participation, retention, completion, and improved learning outcomes for all learners.

“The policy aims to eliminate gender-based barriers to enrolment and participation, reduce school dropout rates, support the progression of girls and boys through the education system, and promote gender-responsive teaching and learning across educational institutions in the state,” said the commissioner.