Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has commissioned 152 housing units for internally displaced persons (IDPs), Climate Peace Hubs, and a Solar Mini Grid project in Jibia Local Government Area.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that the projects were delivered through a partnership involving the Katsina State Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Government through GIZ, and the Norwegian Government.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Radda described the project as a major achievement born out of cooperation and commitment. He recalled that the projects were flagged off in October 2024 and have now become a reality.
The governor said the state government provided land, roads, drainage systems, perimeter fencing, a school, a worship centre, and furniture for the estate. He also disclosed that ₦500 million was distributed as grants to 500 residents of Jibia through the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency to support businesses and livelihoods.
The governor said Jibia had not recorded any deliberate attack or kidnapping in the last one year, adding that farmers had returned to their farms, markets were reopening, children were back in school, and food prices were becoming more stable. He urged residents to protect the growing peace in their communities and encouraged armed groups to embrace dialogue, repentance, and reintegration into society.
UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, praised the Katsina State Government for its commitment and financial contributions to the project. She said the investments in housing, livelihoods, and community development would strengthen recovery, resilience, and long-term peace.
German Ambassador Annette Gunther also commended the state government’s support and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to working with UNDP and Katsina State on future peace and development programmes across the Northwest region.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Prof. Abdulhameed Ahmed Mani, said construction of the estate began in October 2024 and was completed in mid-2025. He explained that each of the 152 houses contains two bedrooms, a toilet, a bathroom, and a spacious courtyard.
He added that the estate has water facilities, access roads, streetlights, and worship centres. According to him, beneficiary selection was conducted transparently, while 2,000 people also received livelihood support, agricultural assistance, and business grants.
The National Security Adviser’s representative, Ambassador Abimbola Wonosiko, described the project as proof that lasting peace requires both security measures and investments in livelihoods and community development, while Jibia Local Government Chairman, Hon. Sirajo Ado Jibia, thanked Governor Radda and UNDP for bringing the projects to the area.