Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security and development, highlighting investments in agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic empowerment as the state marks its 39th anniversary.
Radda stated this at a dinner and awards ceremony held to mark the anniversary of Katsina State’s creation, where he was represented by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe.
According to a statement issued by the Katsina State Government, the governor said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Katsina’s journey since its creation in 1987 and assess the progress recorded under the current administration.
Agriculture and infrastructure
On agriculture, Radda said the state government had 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 was working towards providing 3,000 irrigation boreholes, with 1,000 planned for each senatorial zone.
The governor also highlighted road construction and urban renewal projects across the state, including completed and ongoing dual carriageway projects in Katsina, Funtua, Daura, Malumfashi and Mashi, among other communities.
3,000 Community Watch Corps personnel recruited
On security, Radda said his administration had recruited at least 3,000 Community Watch Corps personnel, alongside 1,500 vigilantes and other community-based security structures.
He said the government also provides medical, financial and livelihood assistance to victims of banditry and displaced families.
The governor acknowledged that insecurity, unemployment and climate change remain challenges but said the administration remains focused on its development agenda.
₦2.5bn SME funding, 15,000 jobs
Radda also outlined economic interventions, saying more than 5,000 small and medium enterprises had accessed ₦2.5 billion in funding through the State Enterprise Development Agency.
According to the governor, the intervention has contributed to 15,000 jobs, while 14,450 women have received small-business start-up kits valued at more than ₦700 million.
Education investments
In education, the governor said 152 secondary schools had been constructed under the AGILE programme, alongside the establishment of three smart model schools.
He added that 3,090 classrooms had been constructed or rehabilitated, while 20,000 teachers received tablets and digital training.
More than 2,000 students, he said, had also benefited from practical skills training.
Healthcare expansion
Radda said six comprehensive health centres had been upgraded to General Hospitals, while 271 of the state’s 361 primary healthcare centres had been upgraded and equipped.
The administration had also recruited 808 health workers through the Health Services Management Board and 1,020 personnel through the Primary Health Care Agency, according to the governor.
He further disclosed that the government had paid more than ₦45 billion in gratuities to retirees at both state and local government levels, while maintaining regular payment of salaries and pensions.
Senator Ida recalls Katsina’s early years
Former Senator and Wazirin Katsina, Senator Ibrahim M. Ida, also spoke at the event, taking guests through the history of Katsina State, from the campaign for its creation to the task of building the new state after September 23, 1987.
Ida, who served as Commissioner of Finance about two years after the state was created, recalled that Katsina began with seven local governments, limited financial resources and a lean government structure.
He said the early administration relied on financial 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.
Ida urged the present generation to preserve the values of “gaskiya da amana”, meaning truth and trust, which he said enabled the state’s pioneers to achieve significant results 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 said the campaign for Katsina State’s creation was driven by the desire to provide greater opportunities for its people, adding that the responsibility of the present generation was to preserve and improve the inheritance handed down by its founders.
State honours outstanding citizens and public servants
The anniversary event also featured awards recognising public servants, security personnel, health workers and other citizens for their contributions to Katsina State.
Among those honoured were Dr Faisal Umar Kaita, 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 received the Outstanding DSS Officer of the Year award, while Lt. Col. M.M. Isah was recognised as Outstanding Army Officer of the Year.
Sha’aibu Umar Radda, Commander of the Rimaye Community Watch Corps Division, was named Outstanding Community Watch Corps Commander of the Year.
The recipients in the security category received a car, plaque and commendation letter.
The state also recognised 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 awards went to health workers, civil servants and Community Watch Corps personnel from frontline local government areas.
Radda congratulated the award recipients and described their contributions as examples of commitment to the development of Katsina.
He also called on residents to continue working with the government while upholding the values of honesty, hard work and hospitality associated with the state.
The statement was signed by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State, and dated September 24, 2026.
Author
