Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving security and accelerating development across the state.
Governor Radda spoke at a dinner and award ceremony marking the 39th anniversary of Katsina State’s creation on September 23, 1987. He was represented at the event by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe.
The governor said the administration had invested in agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and small businesses as part of efforts to improve living conditions.
He said the state had distributed 400 tractors, 10 combine harvesters, 4,000 power tillers, and 2,000 planters across its 34 local government areas. The government is also planning 3,000 irrigation boreholes, with 1,000 earmarked for each senatorial zone.
On security, Governor Radda said 3,000 Community Watch Corps personnel and 1,500 vigilantes had been recruited, while support had also been provided to victims of banditry and displaced families.
The governor said more than 5,000 small and medium businesses had accessed ₦2.5 billion through the State Enterprise Development Agency, creating about 15,000 jobs. He added that 14,450 women had received business start-up kits worth more than ₦700 million.
In education, Governor Radda listed 152 secondary schools constructed under the AGILE program, three smart schools, and 3,090 classrooms constructed or rehabilitated. He also said 20,000 teachers had received tablets and digital training.
The administration, he added, had upgraded 271 of the state’s 361 primary healthcare centers and converted six comprehensive health centers to general hospitals. It also recruited 808 health workers under the Health Services Management Board and 1,020 personnel through the Primary Health Care Agency.
Governor Radda further disclosed that more than ₦45 billion had been paid in gratuities to state and local government retirees, while salaries and pensions continued to be paid regularly.
The governor acknowledged insecurity, unemployment, and climate change as continuing challenges but said his administration remained focused on its development agenda.
At the event, former Senator Ibrahim Ida, who served as Katsina’s Commissioner of Finance shortly after the state was created, reflected on its early years.
Ida said Katsina began with seven local governments and limited financial resources but was able to develop key infrastructure through prudent management. He cited projects including the expansion of Ajiwa Dam, the Police Headquarters, Federal Medical Centre, High Court Complex, Karkanda Stadium, and Katsina Radio and Television.
He urged citizens and leaders to preserve the values of “gaskiya da amana,” truth and trust, which he said were important to the state’s early development.
The ceremony also featured awards for public servants, security personnel, health workers, and other citizens recognized for their contributions to Katsina State.
Among the honorees were Dr. Faisal Umar Kaita, Outstanding Commissioner of the Year; Alhaji Usman Isyaku, Outstanding Special Adviser; Pharm. Yusuf Nasiru, Outstanding Permanent Secretary; and Dr. Mustapha Shehu, Outstanding Head of Parastatal.
Security personnel, including police, DSS, military, and Community Watch Corps officers, were also recognized, alongside citizens honored for courage, honesty, and bravery.
Radda congratulated the recipients and urged residents to continue supporting efforts to build the state while upholding honesty, hard work, and hospitality.
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