The Katsina State government has approved a total of ₦680 million to be allocated to its 34 local government areas for the renovation and upkeep of cemeteries. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda announced the initiative on Thursday during a meeting with traditional rulers from the Katsina and Daura Emirates.
According to Governor Radda, the decision to allocate ₦20 million to each local government area for graveyard maintenance is a move to serve the public while also seeking divine blessings for the state.
“We have set aside ₦20 million for each local government to ensure our graveyards are well taken care of,” Radda stated. “This is part of our service to the people and also a way of seeking Allah’s blessings for Katsina.”
In addition to the graveyard funding, Governor Radda unveiled a new welfare package for traditional and religious leaders across the state. A recently passed law by the State House of Assembly will raise the salaries of all District Heads to at least Grade Level 16.
The new package also includes: Monthly allowances for 6,652 ward heads. Stipends for over 3,000 Imams and their deputies from Friday mosques. Monthly allowances for sweepers working in Izala and Darika mosques in all 34 local government areas.
During the meeting, the governor also touched on the state’s security efforts, noting that over 1,500 young people have been trained and provided with tools to assist security operations. “Security is a collective responsibility. We must unite to protect our people,” he said.
In response, Senator Ibrahim Ida, the Wazirin Katsina, who represented the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir-Usman, praised the governor’s dedication to improving the welfare of both emirates.
