Pledges to Revive Katsina Stakeholders’ Forum
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called for stronger coordination, enhanced grassroots engagement, and strategic communication among political stakeholders across the North-West region.
The Governor made the call today while hosting a high-level, power-packed meeting with senior political leaders serving in the Federal Government, members of the National Assembly, heads of federal agencies, and other critical stakeholders in Abuja.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad, chief press secretary to the Governor, said the strategic meeting focused on strengthening political coordination, deepening stakeholder engagement, and advancing actionable strategies to reposition Katsina State and the wider North-West region within Nigeria’s evolving national development framework.
Addressing stakeholders, Governor Radda underscored the urgency of reviving the stakeholders’ forum as a unifying platform for collaboration, policy alignment, and collective contribution to governance and party development.
“This forum must be revived to enable us to work together in putting Katsina forward and contributing meaningfully to governance and the growth of our party,” the Governor stated.
He further called on stakeholders to take ownership of the government’s narrative by actively promoting the achievements and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He stressed that the administration remains firmly on course to deliver transformational outcomes for the nation.
“We must not shy away from telling our story. The successes of this administration must be communicated clearly and consistently. There is a need to change the narrative and ensure our people fully understand the direction of government,” he added.
Governor Radda emphasized the strategic role of effective communication, urging stakeholders to leverage both radio and print media platforms to disseminate accurate information, shape public perception, and strengthen citizens’ trust in government initiatives.
“Communication is central to governance. If we do not tell our story, others will tell it for us. We must utilize radio, print, and other platforms to keep our people informed and engaged,” he noted.
The Governor called on Katsina State and the North-West to sustain their leading role in national politics, particularly in shaping future political transitions to ensure the region’s continued relevance and inclusion.
On grassroots mobilization, Governor Radda stressed the need for stakeholders to reconnect with their constituencies and reinforce political structures at all levels.
“We must return to our grassroots, engage directly with our people, and demonstrate our relevance at the ward, local government, and state levels,” he said.
The Governor outlined key resolutions reached at the meeting, including the urgent need for improved funding of federal agencies to enhance service delivery, particularly at the grassroots level.
He also highlighted the importance of inclusive governance, noting concerns raised by stakeholders regarding inadequate consultation in decision-making processes, especially at the local government level.
“We must ensure that critical stakeholders are carried along in decision-making processes at all levels. Inclusive governance is not optional; it is essential,” he emphasized.
Governor Radda assured participants that deliberate steps would be taken to address the concerns raised and strengthen coordination mechanisms across all tiers of government.
The Governor further announced plans to strengthen local government mobilization committees under the leadership of local government chairmen, with a view to improving coordination, political engagement, and grassroots participation.
On the issue of civil service recruitment, stakeholders expressed concern over the underrepresentation of the North-West, particularly Katsina State, in federal employment. They noted that the current recruitment system, largely based on replacement, risks further marginalizing the region if proactive measures are not taken.
Responding, Governor Radda assured that engagements would be initiated with relevant authorities to ensure fair representation and equitable access to federal employment opportunities.
“We will engage the appropriate institutions to ensure that our people are not left behind. Equity and fairness must guide all recruitment processes,” he affirmed.
The meeting also resolved on the need for sustained engagement through regular sittings of the stakeholders’ forum. Participants proposed that the forum be chaired by a former governor to ensure inclusiveness and broad acceptance, while a serving minister would serve as co-chair and provide secretariat support.
In addition, stakeholders endorsed the development of structured communication strategies, including dedicated radio programmes, jingles, and coordinated messaging frameworks aimed at promoting government policies, highlighting achievements, and reshaping public perception.
Governor Radda reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, enhancing communication, and ensuring that stakeholders remain actively involved in governance and political processes.
“Together, through unity, coordination, and strategic engagement, we can achieve more for Katsina State, the North-West, and Nigeria as a whole,” the Governor concluded.
The meeting was attended by members of the National Assembly, heads of federal agencies, and other key stakeholders based in Abuja.
