Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda has completed the renovation of the historic Gidan Kuli groundnut oil mill in Kankia Local Government Area of the State.

The revived Gidan Kuli groundnut oil mill, expected to begin full operations soon, will create over 500 direct and indirect jobs while boosting the local economy.

The Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV), executed the complete overhaul, which included refurbishing existing machinery, procuring modern equipment, and constructing administrative blocks, shops, and perimeter fencing.

Speaking on this development, Governor Radda asserted that the facility is more than economic infrastructure as it symbolises the commitment to revitalising the state’s agricultural heritage.

The Governor in a statement signed on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, noted that the revival aligns perfectly with his administration’s economic diversification agenda.

He said the Governor’s approval for the massive renovation has transformed the 1992-established facility into a state-of-the-art Groundnut Processing Centre under the supervision of the Ministry of Women Affairs.

Addressing the facility’s potential impact on women’s economic empowerment, the Governor maintained that he strategically placed this project under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in recognition of the crucial role women play in agricultural processing.

“Groundnut production once defined Northern Nigeria’s prosperity, and we are determined to reclaim that legacy for our farmers and entrepreneurs.

“By restoring this processing centre, we are creating a guaranteed market for our groundnut farmers, generating employment opportunities, and establishing a foundation for value-added agricultural products that can compete nationally and internationally.

“This centre will serve as an economic lifeline for thousands of women entrepreneurs across Katsina,” he noted.

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