KATSINA — Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on citizens to renew their commitment to the peace, unity and development of the state as Katsina marks its 39th anniversary of creation.
Radda, in a message to indigenes at home and in the diaspora, said the state had made progress since its creation but still had significant work to do in building a more secure, prosperous and competitive society.
“At 39, Katsina is moving forward with purpose. We celebrate how far we have come, but we are even more determined about where we are going,” the governor said.
He described the anniversary as an opportunity to recognise the resilience, sacrifices and contributions of generations of citizens who have contributed to the development of the state.
Radda said his administration’s Building Your Future agenda was designed to build on those efforts, with emphasis on security, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, economic empowerment, public-sector reform and sustainable development.
According to him, the administration is focused on bringing development closer to communities across the state’s 34 local government areas, with ongoing investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, roads and other critical infrastructure.
He said empowering young people, women, farmers, entrepreneurs and small businesses remained central to efforts to create an economy in which more citizens could become productive and self-reliant.
On security, the governor acknowledged the challenges facing some communities, assuring residents that the government would continue working with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens to protect lives and property and restore lasting peace.
Radda said the anniversary should also provide an opportunity for citizens to consider the kind of state they wanted to leave for future generations.
“At 39, we must ask ourselves what kind of Katsina we want to hand over to the next generation. We want a state where our children receive quality education, our farmers prosper, businesses grow, communities are safe and every citizen has the opportunity to live with dignity,” he said.
The governor stressed that government alone could not achieve that vision and called on citizens, irrespective of political, religious or social differences, to contribute to the state’s development.
“Katsina belongs to all of us. Its progress is our shared responsibility. Government will continue to provide leadership and create opportunities, but lasting development requires the contribution of everyone,” Radda said.
He urged traditional and religious leaders, professionals, business owners, farmers, women, young people and members of the diaspora to support initiatives promoting peace, education, enterprise and community development.
Radda also paid tribute to past leaders, traditional institutions, public servants, security personnel and other citizens whose service and sacrifices had contributed to the development of Katsina since its creation.
He pledged that his administration would continue pursuing the Building Your Future agenda, complete ongoing projects, strengthen public institutions and expand opportunities across the state.
“As we celebrate 39 years of our dear state, our message is one of gratitude for the journey behind us and confidence in the future before us. We have made progress, but there is still more work to be done,” he said.
The governor prayed for continued peace and prosperity in Katsina State and congratulated citizens on the 39th anniversary.
