Governor Namadi Champions Bold Reforms and Inclusive Development at April 2025 State Executive Council Meeting
Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi, FCA, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to inclusive governance and strategic development as he presided over the April 29, 2025, meeting of the Jigawa State Executive Council. The session resulted in far-reaching resolutions spanning social welfare, agriculture, education, women’s empowerment, and land reforms—each aimed at accelerating growth and improving the lives of citizens.
A major highlight was the Council’s review of the 2025 Ramadan Iftar Feeding Programme, which impacted over 190,000 individuals daily across 634 centers. The initiative not only enhanced food and nutrition security during the holy month but also stimulated the local economy through ₦3.5 billion in local food procurement. Over 3,800 cooks earned competitive stipends while sub-vendors benefitted from additional markups. With ₦301 million refunded to the government treasury, the programme stands as a model of transparency and efficiency. The Council praised the leadership of Hon. Dr. Lawan Yunusa Danzomo and endorsed the committee to return in 2026.
In a bold step to boost higher education, the Khadijah University Majia Transition Report was tabled and endorsed. The Council received updates on student admissions, infrastructure development plans, and seamless ownership transfer at the National Universities Commission (NUC). Governor Namadi’s vision to transform the university into a center of excellence continues to gain momentum as procurement plans from the 2025 Budget are set to commence.
Agriculture received a strategic boost as the Council approved ₦615.79 million for a Date Palm Plantation Initiative that will create 5,000 direct and indirect jobs across six LGAs. Youths and women will be trained in modern cultivation practices, while the project also aims to combat desert encroachment and support climate action. Sites include Babura, Birniwa, Birnin Kudu, Garki, Sule Tankarkar, and Yankwashi.
In pursuit of land justice and sustainability, the Farmland Allocation Retrieval Committee led by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, was applauded for its progress in recovering encroached lands and reallocating them to genuine farmers. This policy ensures optimal land use, supports food security, and protects vital grazing and forest reserves.
Furthering gender equity and economic inclusion, Governor Namadi launched the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) in partnership with the World Bank. A multi-sectoral steering committee led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs will drive the initiative, integrating women across economic, agricultural, health, and education sectors. This transformative effort reinforces Jigawa’s leadership in inclusive development planning.
Governor Namadi’s strategic foresight and inclusive governance continue to shape Jigawa into a model of people-centered development, marked by transparency, innovation, and empowerment.
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