Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has approved the procurement and installation of 30 solar-powered lights in each Tsangaya school – the traditional Qur’anic schools – across the 361 wards in the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor,  Ibrahim Mohammed, said this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Mohammed said the approval was part of the governor’s series of strategic interventions aimed at improving education delivery, expanding economic opportunities, and strengthening climate-responsive governance across the state.

He said the approval and several others were made during the 9th Regular Meeting of the State Executive Council for 2026, held at the Government House and presided over by the governor.

He quoted the Commissioner for Information, Bala Zango, as saying after the meeting that the decisions demonstrated the administration’s continued commitment to delivering people-focused policies aligned with its development agenda.

He also quoted the Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Hafiz Ahmed, as saying that the intervention was designed to enhance learning conditions within the Almajiri education system, particularly during evening hours.

Mr Ahmed, who announced the approval, said this would also improve safety and access to education.

“This initiative will create a more conducive learning environment in Tsangaya schools and support ongoing efforts to modernise and integrate the Almajiri education system,” he said.

Mr Ahmed also said that the council approved the adoption and institutionalisation of Climate Change Budget Tagging across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and local government councils.

He explained that the policy would apply to all climate-related programmes, projects, procurement processes, and public expenditures in the state.

According to him, the reform will strengthen Katsina State’s response to climate change while improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public financial management.

“This initiative will enhance socio-economic resilience, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen water resource management, and support sustainable development across key sectors,” he said.

Mr Ahmed recalled that the governor recently made history at the ChangeNOW 2026 Summit in Paris, France, where he became the first Nigerian leader to deliver a keynote address at the global event.

He said, “During the summit, the governor highlighted climate transformation and showcased Katsina State’s renewable energy drive, including plans for the revitalisation of the Lambar Rimi Wind Farm. This latest approvals further reflect the administration’s commitment to translating global engagements into actionable local development initiatives.”

He further said the council’s decisions underscore Mr Radda’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and economically vibrant Katsina State through strategic investments and forward-looking reforms.

On his part, the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Babangida Ruma, hinted at other projects approved by the council.

Mr Ruma said the council also approved the award of contract for the fabrication and installation of 2,000 standardised modular kiosks under the Katsina Road Corridor Enterprise Infrastructure Programme.

Mr Ruma noted that the kiosks were intended to replace makeshift roadside structures currently used by nano- and micro-businesses, providing safer, more durable, and organised trading spaces.

According to him, the kiosks will be constructed with galvanised steel frames, reinforced structures, lockable doors, and proper ventilation to ensure durability and security for business operators.

Mr Ruma added that the project would improve the visual outlook of urban corridors while strengthening small business resilience and economic activity across the state. 

(NAN)