KATSINA — The Katsina State Government is planning to provide 3,000 irrigation boreholes across the state, with 1,000 allocated to each of the three senatorial zones, as part of efforts to boost agricultural production, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has said.
Radda disclosed this at a dinner and award ceremony marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Katsina State, where he was represented by Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe.
The Governor said the irrigation project was part of his administration’s broader investments in agriculture, which also include the procurement and distribution of 400 tractors across the 34 local government areas.
He added that the government had also provided 10 combine harvesters, 4,000 power tillers and 2,000 planters to support farmers across the state.
Radda said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Katsina’s journey since its creation in 1987 and account for the progress being made by the present administration.
On infrastructure, the Governor said the administration had undertaken major road construction and urban renewal projects across the state, including completed and ongoing dual carriageway projects in Katsina, Funtua, Daura, Malumfashi, Mashi and other communities.
On security, Radda said at least 3,000 Community Watch Corps personnel had been recruited, alongside 1,500 vigilantes and other community-based security support structures.
He said the administration was also providing medical, financial and livelihood assistance to victims of banditry and displaced families.
The Governor further disclosed that more than 5,000 small and medium enterprises had accessed ₦2.5 billion in funding through the State Enterprise Development Agency, contributing to 15,000 jobs.
He added that 14,450 women had received small-business start-up kits valued at more than ₦700 million.
In education, Radda said 152 secondary schools had been constructed under the AGILE programme, while three smart model schools had been established and 3,090 classrooms constructed or rehabilitated.
He said 20,000 teachers had received tablets and digital training, while more than 2,000 students had benefited from practical skills training.
In the health sector, the Governor 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.
He added that 808 health workers had been recruited under the Health Services Management Board and another 1,020 personnel under the Primary Health Care Agency.
Radda also disclosed that his administration had paid more than ₦45 billion in gratuities to retirees at the state and local government levels, while maintaining regular payment of salaries and pensions.
He acknowledged that insecurity, unemployment and climate change remained challenges, but said the administration remained focused on its development agenda.
Former Senator and Wazirin Katsina, Senator Ibrahim M. Ida, who delivered a historical address at the event, took guests through the agitation for the creation of Katsina State and the task of building the new state after its creation on 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 government areas, modest financial resources and a lean government structure.
He said the early administration relied on 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.
He urged the present generation to preserve the values of gaskiya da amana — truth and trust — which he said enabled the state’s pioneers to achieve much 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,” Ida said.
He reminded citizens that the struggle for the creation of Katsina State was driven by the desire to create greater opportunities for the people, stressing that the present generation had a responsibility to preserve and improve the inheritance handed down by the state’s founding generation.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to public servants, security personnel, health workers and citizens recognised 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 as Outstanding DSS Officer of the Year; Lt. Col. M.M. Isah as Outstanding Army Officer of the Year; and Sha’aibu Umar Radda, Commander of the Rimaye Community Watch Corps Division, as Outstanding Community Watch Corps Commander of the Year.
Each of the security award recipients received a car, plaque and commendation letter.
The state also honoured 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 honourees included health workers, civil servants and Community Watch Corps personnel drawn from frontline local government areas.
Governor Radda congratulated all the award recipients and described their contributions as examples of commitment to the Katsina project.
He called on citizens to continue working with the government and uphold the values of honesty, hard work and hospitality for which Katsina is known.
