Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda ...Pension Backlogs Cleared, Over 200 Schools Built, Insecurity Tackled, Agriculture Transformed, Healthcare and Infrastructure Reformed
KATSINA, May 29, 2025 – Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has marked his administration’s second anniversary with a compelling account of progress, reform, and a renewed commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to the people.
In a state-wide address commemorating the milestone, Governor Radda declared that the past two years have been a period of “honest reflection and measurable achievements,” with reforms cutting across education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, security, and digital governance.
Restoring Security and Hope
Confronting widespread insecurity upon assuming office, Governor Radda’s administration responded swiftly and boldly. He reported that 26 of Katsina’s 34 local government areas were once under the threat of banditry. Today, the tide has turned with the establishment of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, a homegrown security outfit that has inspired similar initiatives across Nigeria.
“We have made significant gains in the fight against insecurity,” the Governor stated, emphasizing strategic collaboration with federal security agencies and refusing to negotiate with bandits. “We support victims, not criminals,” he affirmed.
Agricultural Revolution in Motion
Determined to make agriculture the backbone of the state’s economy, the administration launched a massive mechanisation drive. With 400 tractors, harvesters, irrigation rigs, and other modern implements, thousands of farmers now benefit from mechanised support.
The Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre and the dramatic increase in extension workers—from 74 to over 780—mark a bold move toward food security. The Governor revealed plans to establish agro-processing zones to transform Katsina into a net exporter of processed agricultural goods.
Healthcare at the Heart of Governance
Under Governor Radda’s watch, healthcare delivery has reached new heights. Of the 361 political wards in Katsina State, 158 now boast fully functional Primary Healthcare Centres. The Governor proudly announced the establishment of the nation’s best dialysis centre, along with ongoing efforts to build a state-of-the-art radiology and diagnostic centre in partnership with Siemens Healthineers.
These medical investments also include the recruitment of 638 additional healthcare workers and the sponsorship of 41 medical students for overseas studies. “Katsina will become a hub for medical tourism,” the Governor promised.
Education Renaissance
Education has been another cornerstone of the Radda administration’s achievements. In just two years, the government constructed over 150 new primary schools and 75 junior and senior secondary schools, with another 77 under construction.
Over 7,250 teachers have been recruited, and ICT integration is underway to prepare students for the digital age. “Education is a collective responsibility,” Governor Radda emphasized, urging families and communities to play a central role in the reform process.
Infrastructure and Digital Governance
All road projects inherited from previous administrations have been completed, while major new ones—including the 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass—have been commissioned to expand urban infrastructure.
In a push for efficiency and transparency, the administration digitized the Treasury Single Account, revamped revenue systems, and introduced electronic processes for hospitals, health insurance, and pharmaceutical supplies.
Social Investment and Institutional Reform
The Governor celebrated the clearing of all pension and gratuity backlogs at both state and local government levels. “This has allowed us to fully embrace the new contributory pension scheme,” he said.
Several institutions were also established to drive reform, including the Katsina State Development Management Board, Strategic Policy Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (SPIME), and the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA)—a nationally lauded MSME support platform.
The administration conducted a 2,000-page staff audit and skills gap report, setting the stage for a workforce built on merit and capability.
Community-Driven Governance
Perhaps one of the most progressive reforms is the Governor’s commitment to community-driven development. He revealed that the 2026 state budget will be designed based entirely on community needs assessments, a first in the country.
“Every MDA will implement budgets based on the priorities of our people,” Governor Radda affirmed, ensuring inclusive governance rooted in the voices of ordinary citizens.
Looking Ahead
With over 90% of his campaign blueprint already implemented or in progress, Governor Radda is optimistic about the future. “We will consolidate our gains, expand on every success, and correct every misstep,” he pledged.
In closing, Governor Radda extended gratitude to his predecessor, Aminu Bello Masari, as well as lawmakers, traditional rulers, security agencies, civil society, and the citizens for their unwavering support.
“Governance is a collective effort,” he concluded. “When we work together, the future we are building is not just possible—it is inevitable.”
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