Katsina State has embarked on a transformative journey towards sustainable development with the launch of a comprehensive development plan that prioritizes data-driven governance. Governor Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, represented by his deputy, Faruk Jobe, unveiled the Katsina State Development Plan along with several key policies aimed at improving the welfare of citizens during an event in Katsina on Thursday.

The newly launched documents include the State Social Protection Policy, the Multi-Sectoral Strategic Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition, the State Nutrition Policy, the General Household Survey Report, and the Statistical Yearbook. Governor Radda emphasized that these initiatives are not merely formalities but essential tools that will shape the future of Katsina and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

In his address, Radda stated, “Today’s event is far more than a ceremonial unveiling of documents. It is a public declaration of our administration’s commitment to planning with purpose, governing with evidence, and delivering development that is inclusive, measurable and sustainable.” He underscored the importance of reliable data in effective governance, asserting that without it, planning would be speculative and development accidental.

The Katsina State Development Plan outlines strategic priorities including agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, industrialization, environmental sustainability, digital innovation, security, governance, and youth empowerment. This plan aligns with the administration's Building Your Future (BYF) policy framework and national development strategies, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Addressing security concerns, Radda noted significant improvements in various regions of the state, attributing this progress to collaborative efforts among the government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities. He reported that many farmers have returned to their farms, leading to a resurgence in agricultural activities and a gradual restoration of economic and social life.

On the topic of social protection, the governor revealed that the state is implementing a hybrid model that integrates traditional Islamic welfare mechanisms, such as Zakat and Waqf, with modern social protection strategies. Over 50,555 beneficiaries have received support through the Zakat programme, with more than N1.9 billion mobilized to assist vulnerable households and promote social inclusion.

Radda also highlighted the critical issue of malnutrition, which he described as a major threat to human capital development. The state has invested over N1.7 billion in targeted nutrition interventions and allocated N500 million as counterpart funding to enhance maternal and child nutrition, expand micronutrient supplementation, and manage acute malnutrition effectively.

The General Household Survey, a significant achievement unveiled at the event, provides detailed household-level data across all 34 local government areas. This survey covers various aspects such as poverty, employment, livelihoods, agriculture, education, health, housing, water and sanitation, social protection, and access to basic services. Radda asserted that the government will now rely on credible data to direct resources where they are most needed and measure performance objectively.

Mallam Malik Anas, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, reiterated the importance of the General Household Survey in understanding the socioeconomic conditions of households, enabling the government to identify vulnerable populations and tailor interventions effectively. He commended UNICEF and other partners for their support in developing these strategic documents.

UNICEF representatives praised the state government's commitment to evidence-based planning and called for the translation of these policies into actionable programs that deliver tangible benefits for children, families, and communities in Katsina. The launch of these initiatives marks a significant step forward in the state's efforts to leverage data for impactful governance and sustainable development.