The Katsina State Statistics Commission, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with support from the Government of Norway, has organized a three-day capacity-building training on Climate Resilience, Peace, and Security aimed at strengthening the skills of its staff in data collection, analysis, and policy application.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that the training, which took place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Commission’s headquarters in Old Government House, Katsina City, brought together officials from various departments to explore how reliable data can drive effective climate action and sustainable peacebuilding.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Katsina State Statistics Commission, Professor Saifullahi Sani Ibrahim, represented by the Director of the Commission, Alhaji Mukhtar Suleman, described the training as timely and strategic, noting that it aligns with the vision of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to enhance service delivery through data-driven governance.
He emphasized that the knowledge gained from the workshop would improve the Commission’s ability to provide accurate and actionable data to support the state government in implementing evidence-based policies.
Professor Ibrahim highlighted that Katsina State ranked top in Nigeria’s 2025 subnational climate governance index, reflecting the government’s strong investment in data systems and clean energy. He reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to continuing its role in producing timely and reliable data that informs sound policy decisions.
“This workshop comes at a critical time when understanding the relationship between climate change and conflict is essential for building peace and community resilience,” he said.
Speaking further, he acknowledged the growing challenges of rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather events that continue to affect communities across Katsina State. Despite these challenges, he commended the resilience and determination of local communities and stressed the need to build upon that strength to create a more sustainable and peaceful future.
“What we need are not just sympathies or applause but systems and tools that empower people to adapt and thrive,” he added.
The Chairman also expressed deep appreciation to UNDP for its continuous partnership with the Katsina State Government and the Bureau of Statistics. He lauded UNDP’s long-standing commitment to building local capacity, promoting peace, and advancing climate resilience, describing the training as a reflection of strong institutional collaboration that will yield long-term benefits for the state.
At the end of the training, participants expressed appreciation to the organizers and facilitators, pledging to apply the new skills and insights gained to improve their work and support government efforts toward sustainable development.
The workshop featured technical sessions led by UNDP experts and development specialists who guided participants on the collection, interpretation, and use of reliable data to support peacebuilding and climate adaptation policies across Katsina State.