KATSINA GOV TAKES 2027 BUDGET MEETINGS TO 361 WARDS

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has flagged off the 2027 Budget Formulation Town Hall Meetings across the state’s 361 political wards, urging residents to actively participate in identifying and prioritising projects that address their communities’ needs.

Radda inaugurated the exercise on Saturday at Radda Ward in Charanchi Local Government Area, describing grassroots engagement as critical to achieving sustainable development and ensuring that government policies reflect the aspirations of the people.

The governor disclosed this in a statement he released on Sunday, via his verified X account.

According to him, the town hall meetings are designed to provide citizens with a direct platform to contribute to the planning and development priorities of their communities.

“Sustainable development can only be achieved when the people are actively involved in identifying their needs, setting priorities, and shaping the decisions that affect their lives.

“This is why grassroots-driven engagement remains a cornerstone of our administration’s approach to governance and budgeting,” Radda’s statement partly read.

He noted that the success of the state’s maiden ward-level budget consultations had reinforced the importance of involving citizens in governance.

According to him, many of the projects currently being implemented across sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply, infrastructure, youth empowerment, social protection and security support, were inspired by recommendations received directly from residents during previous consultations.

As consultations for the 2027 budget commenced under the theme, “Building Your Future IV,” the governor urged residents to engage constructively throughout the exercise.

“I encouraged all citizens to participate actively, honestly, and responsibly. Let us identify and prioritise projects that will create lasting impact and improve the quality of life of our people,” he said.

Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to participatory governance, saying the government would continue to place citizens at the centre of its planning and budgeting process.

“Our commitment remains building a government that listens, plans with the people, and delivers development that reflects the genuine aspirations of our communities.

“Every community deserves to be heard. Every voice matters,” he added.

The Katsina State Government introduced ward-level budget consultations as part of efforts to deepen participatory governance and ensure that public spending aligns with the needs of local communities.

The initiative allows residents across the state’s 361 wards to make direct inputs into the annual budgeting process, with government officials using the feedback to shape development priorities and project implementation