The Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, has intensified his community development efforts in Katsina State with a series of interventions targeting women, students, healthcare centres and vulnerable households.

The initiatives, implemented across Katsina Local Government Area and other communities, include a cash empowerment programme for 600 women, the distribution of 50,000 bags of 25kg food items during Ramadan last year, the donation of 100 birthing kits to two primary healthcare centres and educational support for students preparing for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.

The Ramadan food distribution reached councillors, party stakeholders, community leaders and members of the public, providing relief to households during the holy month.

In the health sector, Sodangi donated 100 birthing kits to MCHCR/Asibitin Malam Bara’u, Rafindadi, and Justice Umaru Abdullahi Clinic, U/Alkali, both in Wakilin Kudu 1 Ward, Katsina LGA. The intervention is intended to support expectant mothers with essential materials for safer and more hygienic childbirth while strengthening maternal healthcare services.

His educational support includes 286 JAMB registration forms for students across Katsina LGA. Schools also received essential supplies, including chalk, markers, brooms, lesson-plan books, first-aid kits, school registers and dustbins.

The interventions extend to community infrastructure, with the provision of an overhead water tank and prayer mats for Masallacin Mai Inyass in Malali, as well as the complete renovation of two public toilets attached to Abdu Maigoro Mosque in Yar’Adua Quarters, Katsina.

Speaking on the motivation behind the initiatives, Sodangi said: “True leadership is measured not merely by the positions we occupy or the promises we make, but by the lives we touch and the opportunities we create for others. Our women, young people, children and vulnerable households deserve practical support that enables them to live with dignity and hope. By investing in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment and essential community infrastructure, we are contributing to a future in which more people can participate meaningfully in the development of our society.”

He added that empowering women and young people was essential to building stronger families and resilient communities, stressing the need for sustained efforts to expand access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

Representing the Katsina State governor at the outreach, the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari, commended Sodangi for his selfless service, describing such interventions as important contributions to community development.

Faskari praised the National Gallery of Art director-general for extending support to vulnerable groups and investing in the welfare of women, youths and children. He also called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Sodangi’s example by committing their resources, influence and time to initiatives that improve livelihoods and create opportunities for the younger generation.

He emphasised that sustainable development requires collective responsibility, urging individuals and stakeholders to complement government efforts by supporting initiatives that address the needs of underserved communities.

The interventions underscore the importance of community-driven support in complementing public efforts to improve livelihoods, strengthen essential services and expand opportunities for vulnerable populations.