* Hails Radda Over Modern Upgrade of Five-Decade-Old Road
* Receives Large Number of Decampees into APC
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has commissioned the Katsina State Government reconstructed 39-kilometre Shargalle–Dutsi–Ingawa single carriageway asphaltic concrete road, describing it as a strategic infrastructure that will significantly boost economic activities and improve the living standards of the people.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad, chief press secretary to the Governor, said the project, executed at a cost of N13.9 billion, connects key communities and serves as a vital economic corridor for agriculture, trade, and social development across the benefiting areas.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Ingawa, Governor Radda said the project reflects his administration’s strong commitment to infrastructure renewal, inclusive growth, and rural development.
“This project is not just a road; it is a vital economic corridor that connects our communities, supports agriculture and trade, and improves the daily lives of our people,” the Governor stated.
He explained that the road will reduce travel time, enhance safety, and open up new economic opportunities for residents of Shargalle, Dutsi, Ingawa, and surrounding communities.
Governor Radda also expressed appreciation to the Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, for attending the commissioning ceremony as Special Guest of Honour.
The Governor further noted the historical significance of the road, explaining that it was originally constructed during the administration of the late Governor Balarabe Musa and later reconstructed under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua while serving as Governor of Katsina State.
“Today, we have built on that legacy by modernising this road to meet current needs and future demands,” he said.
Governor Radda commended the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, under the leadership of Engr. Sani Magaji Ingawa, for effective supervision and dedication to quality delivery. He also praised the contractor, Mothercat Limited, for executing the project according to specifications, and Al’Amin Consult for providing technical guidance.
He urged residents of the benefiting communities to take ownership of the project by protecting it and ensuring its sustainability.
“Let me assure the good people of Katsina State that we will continue to work tirelessly to fulfil our mandate and deliver more dividends of democracy,” he assured.
In his remarks, Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, commended Governor Radda for the successful reconstruction and modernisation of the road after over five decades, describing it as a major milestone in Katsina State’s development.
He noted that the project reflects strong leadership, vision, and regional cooperation.
“This road is a critical investment in infrastructure. It will improve transportation, enhance connectivity, and boost trade, agriculture, and socio-economic activities across the benefiting communities,” Buni said.
He further acknowledged the historical evolution of the road, first built under the late Balarabe Musa and later reconstructed under the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua.
“The present upgrade meets current development needs while also addressing the future demands of the benefiting communities,” he added.
At the event, Governor Mai Mala Buni received a large number of decampees from opposition parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their decision as a positive step towards strengthening unity and political stability in the state and across the country.
The Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Engr. Sani Magaji Ingawa, disclosed that the 39km project was delivered at a cost of N13.9 billion. He said it was executed by Mothercat Limited under the supervision of the Ministry, with technical support from Al’Amin Consult.
He explained that the road improves connectivity between Shargalle, Dutsi, and Ingawa, enhances trade and agricultural activities, reduces travel time, and improves safety.
The Managing Director of Mothercat Limited, Maroun Ghostine, said the project was completed within 12 months instead of the initial 16-month contract period, attributing the success to strong collaboration with the state government.
“The project has been fully completed and commissioned. It will significantly improve connectivity, boost economic activities, support agriculture, and enhance access to healthcare and education,” he stated.
The event was attended by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Dr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma; former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika; the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari; the Head of Service, Alhaji Falalu Bawale; the Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; and the Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji.
Also present were members of the State Executive Council, local government chairmen, state lawmakers, the Emir of Daura, His Highness Dr. Umar Faruk Umar, representatives of Katsina Emirate, among other dignitaries.
