Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda on Thursday inaugurated 152 housing units for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Jibia Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Speaking at the inauguration, the governor described the project as a major step towards restoring dignity and rebuilding lives affected by insecurity.

Mr Radda said the housing estate was constructed under the North-West Development Facility Project, through a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other development partners.

He stated that the project was designed to provide safe shelter and sustainable livelihoods for families displaced by years of armed conflict and violence in the area.

“Beneficiaries will not only receive houses but also support items such as mattresses, mats, blankets, cooking utensils, soap and bags of rice, while some households would benefit from financial assistance to help them restart their lives,” he said.

The governor also noted that the intervention was part of a broader strategy aimed at promoting human security, economic recovery and community resilience across affected communities in the state.

According to him, the project also includes the construction of a Climate Hub Enterprise Centre, a solar-powered mini-grid, a veterinary clinic, market stalls, lock-up shops, rehabilitation of cattle loading facilities and solar electrification of the cattle market.

Mr Radda added that agricultural support for both dry- and rainy-season farming, as well as grants for micro, small and nano-scale enterprises, had been provided to strengthen livelihoods and improve economic opportunities for residents.

He added that the state government had complemented the intervention by providing land for the estate, perimeter fencing, a worship centre, potable water facilities and street lighting.

Furthermore, Mr Radda attributed the success of the initiative to improved security measures, including community-based peacebuilding efforts and investments in security equipment for law enforcement agencies.

He noted that the security situation in Jibia had improved significantly in recent years, with no deliberate attacks or kidnappings recorded, while farmers had returned to their fields, markets had reopened and children were back in school.

Mr Radda, however, called for deeper collaboration with development partners to address the root causes of insecurity, expand livelihood opportunities, build climate resilience and empower women and youths.

Earlier, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, commended the Katsina State Government for its commitment to the project through the provision of counterpart funding.

Ms Attafuah said German support alone would not have achieved the impact without the substantial contributions and ownership demonstrated by the state government in implementing housing, peacebuilding and stabilisation programmes.

She added that the partnership had advanced durable solutions, community recovery and peacebuilding objectives in Jibia, Batsari and Faskari local government areas.

Also speaking, Chairman of Jibia LGA, Surajo Ado, who represented the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the state government and the UNDP for selecting the council as a beneficiary of the intervention.

He described the project as a milestone to promote sustainable development, noting that other interventions, including renovation of veterinary facilities and skills acquisition programmes, had positively impacted the lives of residents.

Mr Ado said the projects would go a long way in supporting displaced families and strengthening socio-economic recovery in the local government area. 

(NAN)