In line with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s directive to involve citizens directly in the budget preparation process, a Town Hall meeting was held today in Bakori A Ward, Katsina State, to gather stakeholders’ input for the 2026 budget.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Katsina State Government through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with the Community Development Program (CDP), convened simultaneously across all 361 wards of the state. Political office holders were mandated to attend in their respective wards, with the most senior appointee chairing each session.
In Bakori A, the meeting was chaired by the Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Professor Ahmed Mohammed Bakori. Also in attendance were the Board Chairman of Katsina State Radio and Television Services, Malam Ahmed Abdulkadir, and the former General Manager of Katsina State Radio, Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim Bakori, among other stakeholders.
Participants at the meeting raised key developmental concerns, particularly in the areas of healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture. Among the top priorities listed were the construction of a General Hospital in the area, rehabilitation and construction of township roads and drainages, and enhanced security to tackle local challenges.
One of the major issues highlighted was the long-standing delay in the construction of the Jare Dam. Stakeholders passionately called on the state government to push the Federal Government to expedite the project, which has remained dormant for over two decades. They noted that the dam, once constructed, could unlock significant economic opportunities for youths in the area through irrigation farming and other agricultural ventures.
In his remarks, Professor Ahmed Mohammed Bakori urged attendees to be open and vocal about their needs, emphasizing that the essence of the meeting was to give the people a platform to define their development priorities.
The event underscores a renewed effort by the Katsina State Government to deepen participatory governance, ensuring that the voices of ordinary citizens are reflected in policy formulation and budget planning.
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