ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda has reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising children’s welfare, education and inclusion, stating that all government policies are tailored towards securing a better future for children in the state.
Radda made the declaration in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, 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 and stressed that his administration would continue to ensure that every child in Katsina, regardless of background, ability or circumstance, is given access to opportunities for a brighter future.
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“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,” the governor said.
According to the statement, the governor pointed to the appointment of Faruq Umar Lema, a young boy from Batagarawa Local Government Area, as Special Assistant on Children’s Affairs as evidence of his administration’s determination to give 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 gifted children from poor and rural communities.
“He said the facilities boast 24-hour electricity, internet connectivity, robotics and artificial intelligence laboratories, and a fully digital learning ecosystem bringing technology-driven education to children who need it most,” the statement added.
The governor further disclosed that 996 students would commence studies in the schools following what he described as a transparent admission process that received commendation from European Union diplomats and international education observers.
He added that the administration, in collaboration with the Gwagware Foundation, introduced a Back to School Programme aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children in 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 stated.
The governor also referenced the recent unveiling of the Katsina State Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which seeks 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 said.
According to the statement, the administration has also covered the costs of WAEC, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS examination fees for secondary school students across the state.
Radda further stated that 2,000 students have received training in bag production and other vocational skills as part of efforts to equip young people with entrepreneurial and income-generating opportunities.
He urged parents, teachers, community leaders and civil society groups to support initiatives aimed at creating a secure and inclusive environment for every child in Nigeria.
The governor’s comments come amid increasing concerns over the rising number of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria and renewed calls for stronger investment in child protection, education and youth development nationwide.