From Fauziyya Lawal, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has flagged off ward level town hall meetings across the 361 political wards in the state to gather citizens inputs for the formulation of the 2026 budget aimed at strengthening participatory governance and ensuring community driven development
The initiative, organized by the Katsina State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in partnership with the Community Development Program CDP, officially commenced on Thursday, August 7 2025, in Kankara Local Government Area, with residents of Kankara A and B communities actively participating in the session.
The Deputy Governor of Katsina State Faruk Lawal Jobe at the Kankara town hall meeting, declared the exercise open and emphasized the significance of citizen participation in governance.
“This event, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to inclusive governance, citizen participation and community driven development,” the Deputy Governor stated. “The best ideas for development often come from the people, as they live with the realities we seek to transform.”
According to him, the feedback collected from the grassroots through the meetings will directly inform the preparation of a people oriented, inclusive and responsive 2026 budget. He added that the initiative is also in line with the state’s commitment to the Open Government Partnership OGP, its transparency and accountability frameworks.
Faruk Lawal further directed all political office holders and government appointees to participate in the meetings in their respective wards and ensure that detailed reports are submitted to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the CDP for integration into the budget planning process.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Kankara Local Government Area Kasim Dan’tsoho, expressed gratitude for the choice of Kankara as one of the starting points for the initiative, describing the project as timely and commendable.
Speaking during the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Malik Anas, urged participants to be focused on pressing needs that would move their communities forward. He lauded the leadership of Governor Dikko Umar Radda for institutionalizing a participatory budgeting process and ensuring grassroots involvement in governance.
“The government is not only committed to providing infrastructure but also to listening to the real needs of our people. This initiative reinforces our promise to serve the people better,” Anas noted.
Dr. Kamal, the Coordinator of the Community Development Program CDP also commended Governor Radda for giving the people a platform to voice their challenges and proffer solutions. He revealed that the Governor has approved the sum of ₦10 million for each ward to support community development priorities.
The town hall meeting witnessed active engagement from various community stakeholders, including youth groups, women’s associations, religious, traditional leaders and other residents, who raised key issues ranging from education, healthcare, roads and agricultural support to security concerns.
The initiative is expected to cover all the 361 wards in the state making it one of the most extensive grassroots consultations in Katsina State’s history.