Radda Urges Responsible Leadership, Highlights Katsina’s Development Strides
From Mu’awiyya Bala Idris Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on leaders to embrace responsibility, reflection and decisive action, stressing that good governance must deliver tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
Governor Radda made the call while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 4th Executive Leadership Dialogue held at Hillside Hotel, Katsina. The event was organised by the Peace Building Development Consult (PBDC) in partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).
The Governor described leadership as a sacred trust that demands accountability, integrity and service rather than privilege. He urged public office holders to cultivate a culture of reflection, noting that thoughtful leadership inspires effective decision-making and sustainable development.
> “Leadership is not a title; it is a trust. It is not about privilege; it is about responsibility,” Governor Radda said, adding that reflection enables leaders to act with integrity, courage and wisdom.
Highlighting the achievements of his administration under the Building Your Future Agenda, Governor Radda outlined major investments in security, healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, youth empowerment and digital governance.
He said the state had strengthened grassroots security through the Community Watch Corps, upgraded healthcare facilities across all 361 wards, expanded emergency medical services and invested in specialised healthcare, including an international-standard imaging centre, pharmaceutical manufacturing and dialysis services.
On infrastructure, the Governor said his administration had completed the 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass Township Road, expanded rural and urban road networks, implemented urban renewal projects and installed solar-powered street lights to improve transportation and stimulate economic activities.
Governor Radda disclosed that over ₦120 billion had been invested in education, covering the construction and rehabilitation of schools, ICT centres, robotics and artificial intelligence laboratories, as well as expanded scholarship opportunities for students within and outside Nigeria.
He further revealed that thousands of youths and women had benefited from skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes, while over ₦10 billion had been committed to supporting young entrepreneurs through the state’s enterprise development initiatives.
According to the Governor, the digitalisation of 118 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and reforms in revenue generation had increased Katsina State’s monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from over ₦400 million to more than ₦3 billion.
Governor Radda also highlighted investments in renewable energy and the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) hybrid vehicles as part of the state’s commitment to sustainable development.
Describing the Executive Leadership Dialogue as a platform for practical solutions, the Governor urged participants to focus on economic transformation, governance reforms, youth empowerment, human security, digital innovation and institutional strengthening.
“Let this dialogue be more than a deliberation. Let it be a catalyst for action,” he declared.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe; former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai; former Director-General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i; Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari; Head of Service, Alhaji Mas’udu Mustapha Banye; Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; members of the State Executive Council, security chiefs, Permanent Secretaries and other top government officials.
