Radda approves wage award to civil servants, pensioners in Katsina

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has approved the payment of wage awards to civil servants and allowance to pensioners in Katsina State.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to the Katsina State Governor, Isah Miqdad.

Miqdad said Radda approved N10,000 for civil servants and N5,000 for pensioners effective from January 2024 to mitigate the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy.

“This action is in continuation of his commitment to workers’ welfare and fulfillment of a pledge for the gradual rollout of palliative measures to cushion the effect of subsidy removal,” Miqdad said.

Meanwhile, in a bid to rejuvenate agriculture and enhance food security in Katsina, Radda has officially launched the first phase of the Dry Season Agricultural Initiative Programme at the Gwaigwaye irrigation site in Dikke ward, Funtua local government.

The initiative, aimed at empowering 2,040 farmers across the state’s 34 local governments, provides free dry season inputs.

Radda highlighted his administration’s commitment to agricultural development, recognizing farming as a crucial driver of economic growth.

Expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture, local government and chieftaincy affairs, and the local governments involved, Radda emphasized the programme’s potential to reduce poverty, create jobs, and boost the state’s revenue.

Acknowledging the significance of proper farming techniques, the governor announced upcoming training sessions and the deployment of extension officers to guide farmers for optimal results.

He called upon all local government chairmen to replicate the programme, stressing its non-partisan nature.

According to the Commissioner of Agriculture, Professor Ahmed Mohammed Bakori, 2,040 farmers will receive support with improved seeds, fertilizer and pesticide chemicals.

He highlighted the state government’s investment in irrigation infrastructure including 204 tube wells and solar-powered water pumping machines at various sites.