President Tinubu Commends Governor Radda’s Vision as Katsina Emerges a Beacon of Agricultural and Climate Innovation

Katsina State took a major leap forward in its development trajectory as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated the Center for Agricultural Equipment in the state capital, reinforcing the federal government’s unwavering support for Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s transformative agenda. The launch, which brought together 400 tractors and other advanced farm machinery, is a bold stride toward modernizing agriculture and achieving food security in Nigeria.

President Tinubu, speaking at the event, lauded Governor Radda for his remarkable achievements across agriculture, infrastructure, and community development within just two years in office. “You are a governor with integrity, trustworthiness, and sacrifice,” the President declared, urging other state leaders to emulate Radda’s focused and people-centered governance.

Describing agriculture as the backbone of national development, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of moving away from subsistence farming to technology-driven, large-scale production. “This is not just about engineering; it’s about food supply, economic empowerment, and the future of our youth,” the President affirmed. He also announced reforms in the Farmers Bank to make financing more accessible for farmers at all levels, a move expected to further empower rural communities and strengthen national food systems.

In response, Governor Radda presented a detailed outline of his administration’s agricultural strategy. With a comprehensive survey of 411,000 farms already conducted and 400,000 sacks of fertilizer ready for distribution, the Governor highlighted the state’s serious commitment to supporting over 450,000 smallholder farmers. The new Agriculture Equipment Centre is set to serve all 34 local government areas in Katsina, significantly reducing production costs and increasing mechanization.

Governor Radda also touched on infrastructure accomplishments, including the construction of more than 160 kilometers of roads in two years and the ambitious Katsina City Renewal Project, which spans over 110 kilometers of urban transformation. These developments not only enhance mobility but also boost economic productivity across the state.

Further showcasing his developmental agenda, Governor Radda announced bold climate resilience policies at the Katsina State Climate Action and Green Investment Summit held in Abuja. There, he pledged to allocate 30% of the state’s annual budget to climate-resilient infrastructure and established a Green Investment Fund with an initial ₦5 billion capital base. This fund is designed to attract additional private investment and support projects that mitigate climate risks while promoting economic growth.

“We have already planted over 100,000 economic trees and are nurturing three million more. We invested ₦5.9 billion in rainwater harvesting and constructed 120 solar-powered boreholes to enhance irrigation and reduce water scarcity,” Governor Radda stated. These initiatives are part of the newly unveiled Katsina State Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA), which harmonizes economic progress with environmental sustainability.

The summit attracted commendations from key stakeholders, including the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, who hailed Katsina’s approach as a model for the Sahel region. UN Women’s representative also praised the state for integrating gender equality into climate action by promoting biogas and clean energy technologies that directly benefit women and children.

Governor Radda’s policies have not only positioned Katsina as a leader in agricultural reform and climate innovation but also earned national acclaim. President Tinubu emphasized the significance of Katsina’s projects—such as the Ajiwa-Ruwan Thanksgiving road, the Kano-Jigawa-Katsina-Maradi railway, and new federal road contracts—as proof of high-quality governance backed by federal partnership.

In a heartfelt conclusion, President Tinubu paid tribute to Katsina’s late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and other notable leaders from the state, promising that “Katsina will not be forgotten.” With continued support from the federal government and the commitment of Governor Radda’s administration, Katsina is rapidly becoming a model state in Nigeria’s journey toward food security, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development.