Vice-President Kashim Shettima arrived in Katsina State for a one-day official visit, where he was received by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua Airport. Shettima's visit aims to strengthen infrastructure and transportation in the state. He inspected a quarter guard mounted by Nigerian Air Force personnel upon arrival. The vice-president's schedule includes inaugurating major road projects and launching mass transit vehicles to enhance mobility.
Shettima is set to inaugurate three major road projects executed by Governor Radda's administration. These projects include the dualised 4.80-kilometre Kofar Sauri–Central Mosque Roundabout Road and the dualised 2.40-kilometre Central Police Station Junction–Kofar Kaura Underpass Road. Additionally, he will open the newly constructed 4.00-kilometre Filin Polo–Ring Road. These projects aim to improve road infrastructure and ease transportation within Katsina.
As part of efforts to strengthen mass transportation, Shettima will launch 30 CNG hybrid buses and 200 Phase I electric tricycles. The launch will take place at the Old Ministry of Works. This initiative seeks to provide efficient and environmentally friendly transportation options for the residents of Katsina. The mass transit vehicles are expected to reduce congestion and promote sustainable transportation.
During his visit, Shettima will also receive new defectors into the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a political gathering at the Peoples Square, Government House, Katsina. This event highlights the party's efforts to expand its base and engage with the local community. The vice-president's presence is expected to draw significant attention and support for the APC.
At the time of filing this report, Shettima was at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, where he flagged off the Community Investment Fund under the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU). This World Bank-supported initiative focuses on supporting women's economic empowerment and financial inclusion in Katsina. The program aims to improve the livelihoods of women in the state.
The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, and members of the State Executive Council were among those who joined Governor Radda to receive Shettima. Other top government officials were also present, underscoring the significance of the vice-president's visit. The gathering demonstrated the state's commitment to development and cooperation.
Shettima's visit to Katsina underscores the federal government's commitment to supporting state-level development initiatives. The projects and programs he inaugurated and launched are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of Katsina's residents. The vice-president's engagement with local leaders and communities highlights the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments.
Key points
- Vice-President Shettima inaugurated 11.2km of road projects in Katsina.
- He launched 230 mass transit vehicles to enhance transportation in the state.
- Shettima also flagged off the Community Investment Fund under the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up.