Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a more secure and prosperous state, with sustained investments in security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare and economic opportunities.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad, chief press secretary to the Governor, said Governor Radda stated this at the Dinner & Award marking 39th anniversary of Katsina’s creation, where he was represented by the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe.
The Governor said the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on the journey of the state since its creation in 1987 and account for the progress being made by the present administration.
On agriculture, Governor Radda disclosed that the government has procured and distributed 400 tractors across the 34 local government areas, alongside 10 combine harvesters, 4,000 power tillers and 2,000 planters. He added that the government is working towards the provision of 3,000 irrigation boreholes, with 1,000 planned for each senatorial zone.
He said the administration has equally undertaken major road construction and urban renewal projects across the state. These include completed and ongoing dual carriageway projects in Katsina, Funtua, Daura, Malumfashi, Mashi and other communities.
On security, Governor Radda said at least 3,000 Community Watch Corps personnel have been recruited, alongside 1,500 vigilantes and other community-based security support structures. He added that the administration provides medical, financial and livelihood assistance to victims of banditry and displaced families.
The Governor also highlighted the administration’s economic interventions. He said more than 5,000 small and medium enterprises have accessed ₦2.5 billion in funding through the State Enterprise Development Agency, contributing to 15,000 jobs, while 14,450 women have received small business start-up kits worth over ₦700 million.
In education, Governor Radda said 152 secondary schools have been constructed under the AGILE programme, three smart model schools established and 3,090 classrooms constructed or rehabilitated. He added that 20,000 teachers received tablets and digital training, while more than 2,000 students benefited from practical skills training.
In healthcare, six comprehensive health centres have been upgraded to General Hospitals, while 271 of the state’s 361 primary healthcare centres have been upgraded and equipped. The administration has also recruited 808 health workers under the Health Services Management Board and 1,020 personnel under the Primary Health Care Agency.
Governor Radda further disclosed that his administration has paid more than ₦45 billion in gratuities to retirees at the state and local government levels, while maintaining regular payment of salaries and pensions.
He acknowledged that insecurity, unemployment and climate change remain challenges, but said the administration remains focused on its development agenda.
Delivering his remarks, former Senator and Wazirin Katsina, Senator Ibrahim M. Ida, took guests through the history of Katsina State, from the agitation for its creation to the task of building a new state after September 23, 1987.
Senator Ida, who served as Commissioner of Finance barely two years after the state was created, recalled that Katsina began with seven local governments, modest financial resources and a lean government structure. He noted that the early administration relied on prudence and discipline to establish critical infrastructure, including the expansion of Ajiwa Dam, Police Headquarters, Federal Medical Centre, High Court Complex, Karkanda Stadium and Katsina Radio and Television.
He urged the present generation to preserve the values of gaskiya da amana—truth and trust—which, he said, enabled the state’s pioneers to achieve much despite limited resources.
“With very little, if there is sincerity, much can be achieved. With much more, if not managed, much can still be lost,” Senator Ida said.
He reminded citizens that the struggle for the creation of Katsina State was driven by the desire to create greater opportunities for the people, stressing that the responsibility of the present generation is to preserve and improve the inheritance handed down by the state’s founding generation.
The event also featured the presentation of awards of recognition for public servants, security personnel, health workers and citizens who distinguished themselves in service to Katsina State.
Among those honoured were Dr Faisal Umar Kaita, named Outstanding Commissioner of the Year; Alhaji Usman Isyaku, Outstanding Special Adviser of the Year; Pharm. Yusuf Nasiru, Outstanding Permanent Secretary of the Year; and Dr Mustapha Shehu, Outstanding Head of Parastatal of the Year.
In the security category, CSP Andrew Alphouse, Commander of the VCRU, Nigeria Police Force, Katsina State Command, was recognised as Outstanding Police Officer of the Year; Sanusi Lawal as Outstanding DSS Officer of the Year; Lt. Col. M.M. Isah as Outstanding Army Officer of the Year; while Sha’aibu Umar Radda, Commander of the Rimaye Community Watch Corps Division, emerged Outstanding Community Watch Corps Commander of the Year. Each received a car, plaque and commendation letter.
The state also honoured Shamsudeen Bala Saulawa for courage, Khadija Ibrahim Kaita for honesty and Faisal Gambo for bravery. Each received ₦2 million, a plaque and commendation letter.
Other honourees included outstanding health workers, civil servants and Community Watch Corps personnel drawn from frontline local government areas, reflecting the administration’s recognition of service across different sectors of the state.
Governor Radda congratulated all the award recipients and described their contributions as worthy examples of commitment to the Katsina project.
He called on citizens to continue working with the government and uphold the values of honesty, hard work and hospitality for which Katsina is known.
