The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) have commended His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, for two remarkable and inclusive policy moves — the reintroduction of Christian Religious Studies (CRS) in primary and secondary schools and the approval of monthly stipends for pastors across the state to encourage continuous prayers for peace.
In a statement jointly signed by Isaac Abrak, NCYP Chairman, and Amos Kafur, Coordinator of the Katsina State Chapter, the group described these actions as not only valuable to the educational sector but also as strategic steps towards addressing the underlying social cracks that have enabled insecurity to take root in Northern Nigeria.
According to the NCYP, the Christian community in Katsina, through the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has long appealed for the restoration of CRS alongside Islamic Religious Studies in schools. Governor Radda’s decision to respond to this appeal, they said, reflects fairness, inclusivity, and responsive leadership.
Quoting the Hausa proverb, “Sai bango ya tsage, kadangare ya shiga” — “it is only when there is a crack in the wall that a lizard can enter” — the group highlighted that political marginalization in the North, persisting since independence, has fueled inter-religious tensions which in turn have evolved into terrorism, banditry, and farmer–herder conflicts.
The NCYP stressed that while Katsina State has historically been free from large-scale religious crises, the effects of such marginalization in neighboring states have spilled over into its communities. Governor Radda’s initiatives, they noted, prove that inclusive governance can help reverse these destructive trends.
On the approval of stipends for pastors, NCYP observed that such support will not only foster interfaith harmony but also contribute to poverty reduction through fairer wealth distribution. The group further urged the governor to ensure that Christians are allowed to build churches in their communities to promote peaceful coexistence.
Calling on other Northern leaders to emulate Governor Radda’s example, NCYP described the move as a “non-kinetic approach” to tackling insecurity — one that strengthens education, promotes mutual respect, and enhances security resilience.
The group concluded by reaffirming its commitment to promoting inter-religious harmony and peaceful coexistence as the foundation for sustainable economic growth across Northern Nigeria.
