Dikko Radda has reiterated his administration’s resolve to place children’s welfare, education, and inclusion at the centre of governance in the state, stressing that every government policy is tailored toward securing a brighter future for them.
Radda stated this in a message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, on Wednesday to mark the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration, themed, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”
The governor described children as the “most sacred trust” of any society, noting that his government remains determined to ensure that every child in Katsina, irrespective of background, ability, or social status, enjoys equal access to opportunities that guarantee a better future.
“Today belongs to our children. They are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, they are the heartbeat of today. Every policy we make, every naira we invest, and every structure we build is ultimately for them,” he stated.
According to the statement, the appointment of Faruq Umar Lema, a young boy from Batagarawa Local Government Area, as Special Assistant on Children’s Affairs reflects the administration’s commitment to giving children a voice in governance.
Radda also revealed that the state government established three multi-million naira Model and Smart Secondary Schools in Radda, Jikamshi, and Dumurkul to provide quality education for talented children from disadvantaged and rural communities.
The statement noted that the schools are equipped with uninterrupted electricity, internet access, robotics and artificial intelligence laboratories, alongside a fully digital learning system aimed at delivering technology-driven education to underserved children.
The governor further disclosed that 996 students are set to commence studies in the schools after undergoing what he described as a transparent admission process praised by European Union diplomats and international education observers.
He added that the administration, in collaboration with the Gwagware Foundation, launched a Back to School Programme to reduce the number of out-of-school children across the state.
“No child in Katsina should be roaming the streets when there is a classroom waiting for them. We are not just talking about inclusion, we are funding it, staffing it, and tracking it,” Radda said.
The governor also referenced the recent unveiling of the Katsina State Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, designed to safeguard students and teachers from insecurity, bullying, and gender-based violence.
“We declared war on school violence because our children deserve peace in their classrooms. And we paid their examination fees because no child’s future should be held hostage by an invoice,” he added.
According to the statement, the government has also taken responsibility for the payment of WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and NBAIS examination fees for secondary school students throughout the state.
Radda further revealed that 2,000 students have received training in bag production and other vocational skills to empower young people with entrepreneurial and income-generating opportunities.
He urged parents, teachers, traditional leaders, and civil society groups to support initiatives aimed at creating a safe and inclusive environment for every Nigerian child.
The governor’s comments come amid increasing concerns over the rising number of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria and growing calls for stronger investment in child protection, education, and youth development nationwide.
