Kaduna State Community and Social Development Agency (KADCSDA) has disclosed that it will target at least 100 vulnerable communities for basic services in 2025, with between two and three projects per community.
This followed the successful completion of 192 micro projects in 192 communities across Kaduna’s 23 local government areas in 2024, delivering on promises.

The general manager (GM) of KADCSDA, Dr Muhammed Mu’azu Mukaddas, disclosed this during a community engagement with stakeholders from nine LGAs: Zaria, Giwa, Igabi, Lere, Kagarko, Sanga, Kachia Kajuru, and Makarfi.

According to the GM, “KADCSDA is targeting 100 Community Development Plans (CDPs), which has at least three projects per community, doing 300 projects in the 100 communities, and Group Development Plans (GrDPs) in 100 vulnerable communities and groups for Basic Services.

“10,000 potential beneficiaries have been mined from SOCU for engagement in the Labour-Intensive Public Workfare (LIPW) project.”

Highlighting the agency’s 2024 key achievements, Mukaddas said, “KADCSDA implements the Kaduna State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (KADCARES) programmes, also known as the Uba Sani CARES. Uba Sani CARES aims to expand access to livelihood support and provide grants to poor and vulnerable communities in the state.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to achieve outstanding results in the areas of Education, Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Labor Intensive Public Workfare and Livelihood support, exceeding expectations.”

He explained that “KADCSDA implemented 177 micro-projects between April and August 2024 across 177 communities of the 23 LGAs. By November 2024, we scaled implementation by 15 micro-projects in 15 communities.

Dr Mukaddas highlighted the milestones recorded across sectors in 2024, adding that the initiative has positively impacted 207,801 individuals through various interventions.

“In the education sector, 77 blocks of classrooms were renovated, benefitting 90,823 students and improving enrollment rates. Similarly, 13 healthcare centres were renovated and equipped, providing better services to 12,498 residents.

“The agency also constructed 81 motorised boreholes in 81 communities, delivering potable water to 92,804 people and reducing waterborne diseases. Furthermore, 5,112 individuals were engaged in the Labour-Intensive Public Workfare (LIPW) programme, while 1,335 youth and women received livelihood support through soft skills training and financial assistance.”

Dr Mukaddas noted that 1,363 Community Project Management Committee members were trained in project management and bookkeeping to enhance micro-project sustainability.

“These achievements demonstrate KADCSDA’s dedication to excellence. We’re grateful to His Excellency the Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani, for his unflinching support to the Agency,” he stated.

In her goodwill message, commissioner of human services and social development Hajiya Salisu Rabi, represented by Binta Aminu, director of social services, expressed confidence about the prospects of collaborative community development in the state.

“This meeting marks a significant milestone in our journey towards creating successful, sustainable communities.

“Through this engagement, we aim to foster collaboration, mutual respect, and trust. We will work together to identify priorities, leverage resources, and harness our collective strengths to drive meaningful impact.

“My sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for your tireless efforts in driving community development Initiatives. Your dedication, expertise, and passion are invaluable assets to our shared quest for a better future,” she said.

She expressed confidence that the discussions will yield fruitful outcomes, inform strategies, and inspire innovative solutions.

For his part, the vice chairman of Kachia LGA, Comrade Hussain Abdullahi, who represented the chairman, noted that if the government can focus on the agency’s activities alone, all desired developments in the state will be achieved.

He expressed optimism that, with the current GM’s expertise and commitment to work, Kaduna will experience core community development.

Hussain assured that Kachia LGA would replicate what the agency was doing to foster development at the grassroots level.

In preparation for the Islamic fasting period of Ramadan, the Sokoto State Government has increased its free feeding centres to 155 from 130 for last year, and extended support to 300 individuals’ centres to ensure that no one was left without a meal to break their fast.

The state has also commenced distribution of foodstuffs and financial assistance to imams, their deputies, Mu’adhins and various religious organisations to ease their challenges during Ramadan.

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu announced that each Imam will receive five bags of maize and N100,000, while their deputies will receive three bags of maize and N50,000. Mu’adhins will also receive two bags of maize and N50,000.

In addition, 300 senior Islamic scholars will receive N200,000 each, while another 100 scholars will receive N100,000 each.

The government will also provide financial assistance to 10 ‘Malaman Zaure’ from each ward of the 23 local government areas, as well as 150 Islamic organisations.

Governor Aliyu said that the initiatives are part of his administration’s 9-point smart innovative agenda, which prioritises the welfare of the people, the development of religious institutions, and the promotion of peace and prosperity in the state.

The governor also stated his administration’s efforts in improving the condition of mosques across the state, with three remodelled and reconstructed Jumu’at mosques already commissioned, while work is ongoing for the renovation of over 30 others.

“All these initiatives, are in fulfilment of the promises I made during my campaign. They are part of my 9-points Smart Innovative agenda, which prioritises the welfare of our people, the development of our religious institutions, and the promotion of peace and prosperity in our dear state,” he stated.