Tag: Radda

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to confront insecurity while also strengthening traditional and religious institutions across the state.

Speaking at Government House when he received royal fathers from the Katsina and Daura Emirates, Governor Radda emphasized that security remains the foremost priority of his government.

He recalled that upon assuming office, he pledged to make security his first, second, and third agenda, adding that over 1,500 youths have so far been trained to support security efforts, with an additional 550 already trained and a third batch currently undergoing training.

The Governor noted that, unlike in the past, these youths are fully kitted with uniforms, life jackets, and operational tools.

He stressed that insecurity is not limited to those hiding in the forests but also involves collaborators within towns and cities who supply bandits with food, drugs, and markets for stolen cattle.

Governor Radda therefore urged traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns, reminding citizens that they must first help themselves before government intervention can yield lasting results.

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He said “As Chief Security Officer of the state, I do not employ or pay the Army, Police, or Civil Defense, but I have provided them with every support they require. Security is a collective responsibility, not politics. Bandits know no APC, PDP, or APGA—they know only violence. We must unite to protect our people,”

Unveiling a new welfare package to empower traditional and religious institutions, Governor Radda announced that under a new law passed by the State House of Assembly, all District Heads will now earn salaries not less than Grade Level 16.

In addition, 6,652 Ward Heads across the state will receive monthly allowances, while more than 3,000 Imams and their deputies from Friday mosques will be supported with stipends. Furthermore, Izala and Darika mosque sweepers in each of the 34 local government areas will also benefit from allowances.

In furtherance of community service, the Governor disclosed that his administration has approved over N20 million for each Local Government Council to renovate graveyards in their areas. He described the initiative as both a service to the people and a way of seeking Allah’s blessings for the state.

In his remarks, the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Dr. Umar Faruq Umar, represented by the Dan Buram of Daura; District Head of Baure, Alhaji Daha Umar Farouk, conveyed the solidarity of the Daura Emirate following the recent car accident involving the Governor and some government officials. He said the incident caused deep concern across Daura, with many residents unable to sleep until they confirmed the Governor’s safety.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has unveiled his administration’s plan for the recruitment of students into the newly established special schools across the state, reaffirming his resolve to ensure educational opportunities for all children regardless of background.

Speaking at Government House Katsina during a strategic meeting   with education officials including Katsina State commissioners, local government chairmen, sub-committee chairmen, permanent secretaries, local government education secretaries community development officers, and learning officers from 361  Wards, Governor Radda explained the details of the admission process for the three new special schools located in Radda (Katsina Zone), Jikamshi (Funtua Zone), and Dumurkul (Daura Zone).

The Governor recalled his campaign promise to sponsor the best students to study abroad, which has already been fulfilled. “By the grace of God, we sent students to Egypt to study MBBS and to China to study Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology. They were selected strictly by merit, and the Katsina State Government fully paid for their tuition, accommodation, feeding, and all expenses,” he stated.

He said “In our villages, there are children with talent and determination but no means to pay school fees or even buy uniforms’’.

‘’Meanwhile, the children of the rich go to private schools and receive quality education. We want to bridge this gap so that the poor man’s child will also study like the rich man’s child, and in 10 to 20 years return to develop Katsina State,”

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Governor Radda further stressed that admissions will be strictly based on merit and fairness. Each of the 361 wards in Katsina State will nominate six students — two from Primary 6 into JSS1, two from JSS1 into JSS2, and two from JSS2 into JSS3 — making a total of 2,172 students. These students will sit for entrance examinations, after which 996 will be admitted, ensuring every ward is represented.

He emphasized that children from poor families will benefit the most, adding that anyone who can afford private schools should take their children there.

He said’’ In these schools, I want the brightest from the poor to be given this opportunity so that tomorrow society will benefit from them,”

Not a few critiques, particularly from the opposition camp have questioned the recent 3 week medical leave embarked upon by Governor Dikko Umar Radda of katsina state. ABUBAKAR ABDULSALAM however regards the antics by the opposition as widely uncalled for and writes:

“Only God knows what the opposition PDP in Katsina is turning into recently. People’s Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda announced a medical leave of absence and delegated the Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe to takeover. The PDP rather than check the constitutional provision for such action resulted in social media gymnastics which they do better’’.

Governor Radda’s medical leave is entirely constitutional and followed established legal procedures as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Section 190 (2) explicitly empowered the Deputy Governor to act in the capacity of the Governor when the latter is unavailable.

Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe brings over two decades of public service experience. He has also been an integral part of this administration’s success story. His proven track record in governance and deep understanding of the state’s security architecture will seamless continuity.

Read Also: Radda takes three-week medical leave

Rather than questioning constitutional provisions that exist to ensure government’s stability, the opposition should wear the cap of maturity by supporting institutional processes to guarantee service to the citizens at all times.

It is both amusing and concerning that the same People’s Democratic Party that plunged Katsina State into unprecedented security chaos during their tenure now suddenly awoke from their deep slumber to lecture us on governance. Where was their voice when banditry escalated to terrorize 24 out of 34 local government areas under their watch?

Governor Radda’s administration has systemically reduced bandit activities from affecting 24 LGAs to just less than 12 LGAs within two years. PDP on its part left behind a legacy of abandoned projects, unpaid salaries, and compromised security, Governor Radda has delivered thousands of solar streetlights, constructed rural roads, renovated and remodeled primary healthcare and schools.

The opposition’s selective amnesia on Governor Radda’s recent leave of absence cannot erase the fact that under their leadership, our state became synonymous with insecurity.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has extended his condolences to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, following the passing of his beloved mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda, who departed this world yesterday.

In a message of sympathy, Governor Radda described Mama Lydia as a matriarch of faith and character, whose life of sacrifice, discipline, and devotion helped shape a son who today shoulders the enormous responsibility of leading Nigeria’s ruling party.

“The loss of a mother is one of the deepest pains a child can know. Mama Lydia was not just Prof. Yilwatda mother, she was his guide, his anchor, and the moral compass that prepared him for a life of service. Her values live on in him, and through him, in our party and our nation,” Governor Radda said.

The Governor noted that the late Mama Lydia passing is not only a personal loss to the Yilwatda family but also to the larger APC family, where she was widely respected for her simplicity, kindness, and commitment to the faith.

“She embodied quiet strength. Though not in public office, her influence was felt through the son she raised and the countless lives she touched with her wisdom and warmth. Nigeria owes women like Mama Lydia a debt of gratitude,” the Governor added.

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“Behind every great leader is a mother who planted the seed of vision and character. Mama Lydia passing reminds us of the quiet but powerful role mothers play in shaping our nation’s destiny,” Governor Radda further remarked.

Governor Radda urged Prof. Yilwatda and his family to take solace in the knowledge that Mama Lydia lived a fulfilled life of purpose, leaving behind legacies that will endure for generations.

On behalf of the Government and people of Katsina State, Governor Radda extended condolences to Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the entire Yilwatda family, the Government and people of Plateau State, and all who mourn Mama Lydia’s passing.

“May her memory be a blessing, and may her legacy of love and resilience continue to inspire all who knew her,” he prayed.

Governor Dikko Radda of katsina state has empowered all 361 wards across the state’s 34 Local Government Areas with N10 million each for immediate community-driven development projects.

This groundbreaking Community Development Programme (CDP), announced by the programme’s Coordinator, Dr. Kamaludeen Kabir, represents the largest single grassroots empowerment initiative in Nigeria’s recent history.

He said “This programme is Governor Dikko Radda’s visionary initiative to turn Katsina State into a community-driven development powerhouse’’.

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“We want to ensure that in every community, there is government presence—not just in theory, but in practical terms with staff, structures, and resources to regulate and improve the lives of our people.”

“Each ward is regarded as a community under this programme because it is a micro society where people share common ethics and values within that particular area.”

Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina state has assured the 2025 Batch B Stream 1 Corps members deployed to the State that its a conducive and a secure environment, urging them to be free, focus and ready to serve their father land stressing that Katsina state is a home of hospitality and heritage and that they will soon find Katsina state as a home away from home.

Read Also: Gov Radda resumes after minor auto crash

Earlier the NYSC State Coordinator Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu, welcome the Governor and presented the prospective corps members as disciplined, dedicated and ready to serve their father land

Among the dignitaries and members of the press who graced the occasion were: the Emir of Daura Daura who was represented by the Sa’in Hausa, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa.