Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has commissioned a modern cassava/gari processing centre in Batsari Local Government Area, inspected the construction of a new secondary school, and inaugurated a newly completed 2.3-kilometre township road, as part of his administration’s drive to boost agriculture, education, infrastructure and grassroots development.
The governor also commissioned renovated councillors’ offices at the Batsari Local Government Secretariat and paid a condolence visit to the District Head of Wagini during a working visit to the area.
Speaking at the commissioning of the cassava processing facility, Governor Radda said the project underscores his administration’s commitment to agricultural value addition, job creation and rural economic development.
He renamed the facility the Dr. Abba Sayyadi Ruma Cassava/Gari Processing Centre in honour of the late former Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, describing him as a worthy son of Katsina whose contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural sector deserved lasting recognition.
“Today is a celebration of vision. It is the fulfilment of a promise. It is another demonstration that when government is driven by sincerity of purpose, commitment and accountability, campaign promises can indeed become reality,” the governor said.
Radda noted that while Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of cassava, inadequate processing facilities have limited the economic benefits available to farmers. He said the new centre would provide reliable markets for cassava growers, reduce post-harvest losses, improve household incomes and create employment opportunities, particularly for women and youths.
He described agriculture as the backbone of Katsina State’s economy and stressed that sustainable prosperity depends on adding value through processing, packaging, storage and marketing rather than selling raw produce.
The governor said his administration is building a complete agricultural value chain through investments in improved seeds, mechanised farming, irrigation, extension services, climate-smart agriculture, processing facilities and market access.
He urged farmers, women groups, youth associations and cooperatives to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance.
Dr. Babangida Kabir Ruma
Earlier, the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Dr. Babangida Kabir Ruma, said the processing centre would strengthen the cassava value chain, create jobs and reduce post-harvest losses by providing farmers with access to modern processing facilities.
Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe described the project as another fulfilment of Governor Radda’s commitment to agricultural transformation, while Batsari Local Government Chairman, Hon. Mannir Mu’azu, said it would significantly boost the local economy and improve the livelihoods of residents.
During the visit, Governor Radda also inspected the ongoing construction of a government secondary school approved for Batsari as part of five new secondary schools announced during his engagement tour of the area in December 2025.
Expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, the governor reaffirmed that education remains central to his administration’s Building Your Future agenda.
“Our commitment is not just to approve projects but to ensure they are completed to the highest standard. Every child, regardless of where they live, deserves access to quality education in a conducive learning environment,” he said.
He assured residents that the government would continue recruiting qualified teachers and providing adequate teaching and learning materials to strengthen the education sector.
Governor Radda later commissioned the newly completed 2.3-kilometre Batsari Township Road, executed by the Batsari Local Government Council, describing it as a successful example of collaboration between the state and local governments.
He said the road would improve transportation, facilitate commercial activities, enhance access to public facilities and contribute to the socio-economic development of the area.
The governor also commissioned the renovated councillors’ offices at the local government secretariat, saying the project would provide a better working environment for councillors and strengthen grassroots governance.
Commending the Chairman of Batsari Local Government, Hon. Mannir Mu’azu, for complementing the state’s development agenda, Governor Radda urged other local government councils to emulate the initiative by executing projects that directly improve the lives of their people.
He also called on residents to protect and maintain all completed projects to ensure they continue to serve future generations.
Hon. Mu’azu thanked the governor for his support to the council, noting that development projects and the increased autonomy enjoyed by local governments in Katsina State have improved infrastructure, service delivery and grassroots governance.
The governor’s visit also included a condolence call on the District Head of Wagini, where he interacted with community leaders, party officials and youth groups.
The events were attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, members of the State Executive Council, members of the Katsina State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, development partners, farmers’ groups, women and youth associations, community leaders and other government officials.
