We acknowledge the deep concerns raised by Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia and other well-meaning Nigerians regarding the pressing issues of insecurity and hunger in our society. These concerns are legitimate and deserve serious attention. However, the interpretation of Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s recent family event and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Katsina as symbols of indifference is not only misleading but does a grave disservice to the facts on the ground.
Leadership in Crisis: Governance Beyond the Headlines
Governor Radda’s administration is not blind to the suffering caused by banditry and economic hardship. On the contrary, it has taken bold, systematic steps to confront them. The launch of the Katsina Community Watch Corps, a grassroots-based security outfit, is a practical response to the menace of insecurity in rural areas. Trained and equipped to complement the efforts of conventional security forces, this corps is restoring confidence and safety across the state.
In the fight against hunger, the administration is equally proactive. Katsina has rolled out one of the most ambitious agricultural interventions in Northern Nigeria, distributing 400,000 bags of fertiliser in 2024, with another round already planned for the 2025 wet season. The state has also provided over 6,000 solar-powered water pumps to boost irrigation and dry-season farming. These initiatives directly support over 450,000 smallholder farmers—the backbone of the Katsina economy.
President Tinubu’s Visit: Not Just Ceremonial, But Strategic
Contrary to the distorted narrative making the rounds, President Tinubu’s visit to Katsina was neither frivolous nor purely social. It was anchored on developmental and strategic engagement. During his visit, the President commissioned two landmark projects:
- The Katsina Eastern By-pass, a critical infrastructure designed to ease urban congestion and facilitate commerce.
- The Katsina Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, where 400 brand-new tractors, combine harvesters, and other modern implements were unveiled to transform agriculture in the state.
More importantly, President Tinubu used the opportunity to announce and reaffirm significant federal projects and commitments, including:
- Rehabilitation of Maraba–Kankara–Zango–Katsina Road and Sabuwa–Rimi–Danja–Dayi–Funtua–Dandume Road, with contracts already awarded.
- The Kano–Jigawa–Katsina–Maradi Rail project, expected to be completed by 2026.
- Ongoing restructuring of the Bank of Agriculture, to make credit accessible to small and large-scale farmers.
- A N25 billion security intervention fund to support Katsina’s fight against banditry.
- Completion of key local infrastructure like the 24km Ajiwa–Ruwan Godiya Road and the Katsina Urban Renewal Project, encompassing over 160 km of new roads.
These were the real takeaways from the President’s visit—clear proof that Katsina has not been forgotten, and the people are not being abandoned in these difficult times.
The Wedding: A Moment of Culture and Community, Not Contempt
While it is true that the Governor hosted the wedding of his daughter, it is unfair to weaponize a private and culturally significant event against his public service record. In our tradition, weddings are not merely family affairs—they are community moments, bringing people together across social divides.
While the wedding was a private celebration, it also served as an opportunity for communal solidarity during these challenging times. Far from being a distraction, it became a platform for dialogue, reassurance, and unity in the face of adversity.
Leadership is Human
It is important to remember that leaders are also human. A wedding does not erase the reality of sleepless nights spent planning security operations or economic recovery programs. It does not cancel the roads built, the water schemes commissioned, or the lives protected through coordinated governance.
Conclusion: Let Us Build, Not Divide
We must not allow cynicism to cloud our judgment. The real work of leadership is happening daily—in the farms being revitalized, the roads being completed, and the communities being defended. Governor Radda and President Tinubu remain steadfast in their commitment to service, not spectacle.
Constructive criticism is welcome, but it must be grounded in truth. The people of Katsina deserve hope—not misinformation. They deserve leaders who act—and they have them.
Ahmed Abdulkadir is the Board Chairman, Katsina State Radio and Television Services