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Tag: Radda

  • ‘Katsina has endorsed re-election of Tinubu, Radda’

    ‘Katsina has endorsed re-election of Tinubu, Radda’

    Katsina-based activist Hajia Mohammed Zainab Sadda has endorsed the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dikko Umar Radda in 2027. 

    Sadda, in a chat with The Nation Newspaper in Katsina, said the opinion polls and political survey conducted by groups in the 34 LGAs, revealed an overwhelming supports for the re-election of the duo

    She said: ”The people are satisfied with the performance of President Tinubu at the local, state, and federal governments levels and the various projects carried out for them. 

    ”The clamour by the opposition through a gang up again the re-election of President Tinubu has failed from the beginning, Nigerians have written off Atiku Abubakar,Peter Obi and co.  Katsina people don’t know them either.”

    Read Also: Education a priority to Katsina, says Radda

    On Radda,the female activist, who is also nursing Senatorial ambition for Katsina Central, said: ‘’I want to assure Katsina people that Governor Dikko Radda remains committed to granting full autonomy to local governments and firmly believes that allowing them to function independently is not a burden on his administration but rather an opportunity for grassroots development. 

    ”By empowering local councils, they will have the resources and authority to effectively serve their communities and ensuring that projects and services reach the people directly.”

  • Radda to newly deployed NYSC members: shun religious intolerance

    Radda to newly deployed NYSC members: shun religious intolerance

    Katsina Governor Dikko Umar Radda has charged newly deployed NYSC members in the State to maintain religious tolerance during their service year

    Radda, who gave the charge made at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream I Orientation Course for Corps members posted to Katsina State, said they must be guided by the motto of the scheme which is service and humility 

    Radda was represented by the Chief of Staff, AbdulKadir Mamman Nasir.

    He said: ”Let me reiterate that during your stay in this camp and throughout 

    your service year, you are to shun cultism, political as well as religious intolerance or any other form of anti-social behaviour. 

    ”You are to be guided by the motto of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme which is Service and Humility” bearing in mind the oath of allegiance you have sworn to uphold. AIl hands must be on deck to move this nation forward.

    Read Also: Gusau consoles  Radda, commends Katsina for  hosting Flying Eagles

    “My distinguished gentlemen Corps members, no matter the situation you may find yourselves during the service year, I urge you to see this rare opportunity of your call to service as a mark of honour and recognition of your worth to the fatherland.”

    He further challenged them to live up to the standard already set by their predecessors for the progress and development of Katsina State and the nation in general.

    Katsina coordinator of the NYSC, Ibrahim Sadu, expressed gratitude to Radda’s administration contribution to the Scheme and however solicited the State government support 

    He said: ”Your Excellency, I would like to seize this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to you and the Katsina State Government for your unwavering support to the Scheme. Your efforts have significantly

    contributed to the smooth operations of the NYSC in the State.

    “We, however, look forward to further collaboration and intervention in key areas such as provision of additional hostel blocks for camp officials, renovation of Corps Members’ hostels, supply of additional lecture tents and plastic chairs.

    “These improvements will no doubt boost the morale of both staff and Corps Members and improve the overall camp experience”.

  • I won’t contest, Radda deserves re-election -Minister

    I won’t contest, Radda deserves re-election -Minister

    Minister of Housing and Urban Development Architect Ahmed Dangiwa has declared Katsina Governor Dikko Umar Radda is deserving of second term in 2027.

    Dangiwa told The Nation in Abuja that Radda has  delivered on his mandate and deserves re-election. 

    He said: ”I can tell you that all his campaign promises have been already fulfilled in his two years in office. 

    “If you go round the state you will see that there’s construction ongoing in all the 361 wards of the State. If he can touch all 361 ward within this short time, there’s no way a common man will not feel government presence. 

    ”With the kind of developmental projects he’s doing, both human and capital development, there’s no stopping his return to office for a second term ”

    ”He’s also doing his best to make sure the state is secured and terrorist free. He has also formed a security outfit known as community watch to complement the state security architecture. 

    “So if you look at all aspects, be it security, health, youth empowerment and economic development,he has delivered.”

    The Minister who lost the governorship ticket to Radda, placing fourth in the primary said he won’t contest against the Governor in 2027. 

    According to him: ”I will never contest with Dikko. When 2031 comes and God decides if I should, I will “

  • Zamfara governor visits Radda over mum’s death

    Zamfara governor visits Radda over mum’s death

    Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has condoled with his Katsina counterpart, Dikko Umar Radda, over his mother’s death.

    Speaking when he led a delegation to visit Radda, Lawal said: “My wife and I travelled to Katsina to personally console our dear friend, Governor Dikko Radda, on the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u—a loss that is not only his but ours as well.

    “This visit, alongside my delegation, is a humble act of solidarity. We come not as officials, but as fellow human beings bound by compassion.

    Read Also: Ganduje condoles Governor Radda over mother’s passing 

    “In moments of grief, titles fade; what remains is the quiet strength of showing up, of sharing tears, and of whispering prayers for mercy.

    “Hajiya Safara’u raised a son who serves this state with dedication, and her legacy lives through him and the countless lives she touched.

    “May Allah (SWT) envelop her in infinite mercy, forgive her shortcomings, and grant her Jannatul Firdaus.”

    Deputy Governor Katsina State, Mal Faruq Lawal Jobe, thanked Lawal for the visit.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Katsina State, we extend our deepest gratitude for your compassionate visit.

  • Successful council transition one of my best achievements -Radda

    Successful council transition one of my best achievements -Radda

    Katsina Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has declared that one of his greatest achievements as is ensuring transition from an elected government to another at Local council level. 

    He pointed out he is one of the few Governors that refused to constitute caretaker arrangements at the local council level but transition from one.elected government to another

    Radda, accompanied by his wife, spoke while casting his vote at Polling Unit 010, Barebari A of Radda ward in Charanchi local government area, during Saturday’s local government chairmanship elections.  

    Read Also: Gov Radda reaffirms stance against negotiating with bandits

    He said: “The impressive turnout and orderly behaviour of voters at this polling unit demonstrates that our democracy has reached maturity. 

    ”My administration’s commitment to protecting voters’ civic rights, noting will ensure emergence of leaders who  will truly represent the people’s choice. 

    ”Special arrangements were put in place to ensure comprehensive coverage of all sections of the state during the electoral process.”

    Radda commended the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), security agencies, and electoral observers for their diligent efforts in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. 

  • Governor Radda calls for reforms, better welfare for muslim pilgrims

    Governor Radda calls for reforms, better welfare for muslim pilgrims

    Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has urged the implementation of actionable reform programs and enhanced welfare measures for Muslim pilgrims across Nigeria.

    Radda made the call during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja. 

    He highlighted several challenges affecting Hajj operations, stressing the need for improvements.

    Reflecting on the 2024 Hajj operations in Katsina, the governor pointed to the impact of currency depreciation on pilgrimage costs, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions.

    He said: “Last year, Hajj operations faced significant difficulties, causing distresses to many intending pilgrims and the government alike. Despite these challenges, we managed to send about 2,700 pilgrims from Katsina State,”

    The governor further proposed reducing the pilgrimage duration from 40 days to three or four weeks to minimize costs.

    He said “I question why our pilgrims are required to spend up to 40 days in Saudi Arabia after Hajj, while those on international Hajj programs complete their pilgrimage in just 5 to 7 days,” 

    Addressing medical concerns, Governor Radda revealed that his administration had to supplement NAHCON’s medical supplies last year and emphasized the need for preventive healthcare while strongly recommending that malaria medication be given to pilgrims before departure to prevent serious health complications

    The governor further disclosed that Katsina State provided significant financial support to its pilgrims in 2024, including over ₦500 million for animal sacrifice (Hadya) and increasing the Basic Travel Allowance from $400 to $4,500.

    Read Also: Tanker explosion: Radda mourns victims, calls for enhanced road safety measures

    On financial management, he stressed the importance of protecting rural pilgrims from electronic payment fraud and called for continued federal government support in subsidizing exchange rates for Hajj payments. 

    “I’ll be meeting with other Northwest governors to discuss this issue and collectively raise it with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to find a lasting solution,” the Governor assured

    Earlier, NAHCON chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman detailed the Commission’s efforts to reduce costs for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

    “Through discussions and engagements with service providers in Saudi Arabia, we have been able to save approximately ₦50 billion for our pilgrims, and we are still working on securing additional reductions,” Professor Usman stated.

    The chairman revealed that initial projections had put the 2025 Hajj fare at over ₦10m adding  that the agency have successfully reduced it to ₦8m and still negotiating further reductions

    Professor Usman also identified key challenges facing the Commission, particularly the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2% charge on remittances.

    The chairman also highlighted that aviation-related charges constitute approximately 65% of the total Hajj costs. 

    He indicated that the commission has already initiated requests for waivers or reductions in these charges, which could potentially lead to further decreases in the Hajj fare.

    Professor Usman concluded by seeking Governor Radda’s support in engaging relevant authorities to secure these waivers, emphasising the importance of making the pilgrimage more affordable for Nigerian Muslims

  • Radda tackling poverty, infrastructural deficiency, says Katsina female activist

    Radda tackling poverty, infrastructural deficiency, says Katsina female activist

    Katsina-based female Activist, Hajia Zainab Sada, has declared Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s administration is doing well on poverty eradication and infrastructural development.

    Sada, who is also founder of the Neighborhood Committee Network (NCN), a community-driven initiative that fosters collaborative governance, social cohesion and sustainability, told The Nation the present administration’s efforts towards alleviating the hardship through numerous actionable programmes, and infrastructural developments, have impressed citizens. 

    She also noted the administration’s recent distribution of farm equipment to assist farmers for food production across the state, declaring willingness to collaborate with groups, associations and corporate organisations to eradicate poverty and illiteracy in the state.

    She said : ’’In any case, the performance of His Excellency Mal. Dikko Umar Radda to be candid with you has been superfluous. So far, he has done extremely very well unlike past administrations in the state. Simply put, he has invested in the most critical sectors of the state, which if you are to prioritize and put them on scale of preference, we find that they are commendable.

    ‘’ if you take history back to North Central, up to Kaduna state, up to the point when Kaduna state was inaugurated on 23rd of September, 1987, to date, he is one of the most luckiest governor that at the end of his administration that has constructed 150 secondary schools. It is unprecedented. 

    Read Also: Gov Radda hails appointment of two indigenes into Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority

    ‘’He has also embarked on the construction of about 361 comprehensive health centers. And these comprehensive health centers, as you know, of course, traverse virtually the 361 electoral votes of Katsina state. Other than, of course, the upgrade of so many comprehensive health centers to full-fledged general hospitals.

    ‘’And of course, the third most important area is infrastructure, infrastructure and development. You know that even this week, he has started commissioning the urban renewal projects with the commission of Kofar Soro to Kofar Guga Dual Carriage, amongst others “

  • Army Remembrance Day: Radda calls for enhanced support for security forces, veterans

    Army Remembrance Day: Radda calls for enhanced support for security forces, veterans

    Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has urged the government to provide greater support for security personnel and military veterans. 

    The governor made the appeal on Wednesday at the NYSC Camp in Katsina, where he was paying tribute to fallen military heroes during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.

    He emphasized the need to honour Nigeria’s brave individuals who sacrificed their lives to serve the nation. 

    On arrival at the camp, Governor Radda was welcomed by Brigade Commander Brigadier General B. O. Omopariola. He inspected a guard of honour mounted by personnel from the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Legion. 

    “Today’s commemoration honours those brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our fatherland,” Radda stated, quoting General S. Patton: “It is better to fight for something in life than to die for nothing.” 

    The governor also recognized the dedication of veterans who served during the Nigerian Civil War and in ongoing security operations, praising their contributions to national stability and unity.

    He also highlighted the continuing sacrifices made by security personnel across the country, noting that “even as we speak, our courageous men and women face dangers in various theatres of operation.”

    Governor Radda expressed concern about the psychological and physical trauma endured by surviving service members and the lasting impact on families who lose their loved ones in the line of duty.

    Recognising the improved security situation in Katsina State, the Governor credited it to the dedication and discipline of the Armed Forces, police, and other security agents.

    He said: “The Government of Katsina State remains resolute in supporting our veterans, armed forces, and security agencies in eliminating banditry and criminality.”

    He specifically praised the efforts of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army and the 213 Nigerian Air Force Forward Operating Base for supporting civil authorities in tackling banditry attacks in the state.

    The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring Katsina’s reputation as a peaceful, progressive, and hospitable state. During the remembrance celebration, he offered prayers for fallen service members and extended his wishes to their families.

    Read Also: Gov Radda hails appointment of two indigenes into Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority

    Earlier, during the wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph, Governor Radda was joined by key dignitaries including Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, representatives of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly Hon Abduljalal Runka, and the Chief Judge.

    As part of the commemoration, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion Katsina State Chapter, Warrant Officer Ahmad Hussaini (Rtd), decorated Governor Radda with the remembrance emblem to honour and support veterans and families of fallen heroes.

    Military and security leaders in the state actively participated in the ceremony, including Brigade Commander Brig Gen B.O. Omopariola, Air Commodore, and others.

  • Yuletide: Radda calls for unity, reflection in Christmas message to Katsina residents

    Yuletide: Radda calls for unity, reflection in Christmas message to Katsina residents

    Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on residents and religious groups to embody the virtues of Christmas to foster the continued growth and development of the state. 

    In his special Christmas message, the Governor emphasised that the season symbolises love, peace, and unity—values essential for Katsina’s progress. He urged all residents to adopt these virtues and collaborate for the state’s collective advancement. 

    “As our Christian brothers and sisters celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I extend my warmest wishes for a joyous and peaceful celebration,” Radda said. “This season reminds us of the importance of compassion, generosity, and peaceful coexistence.” 

    Read Also: Christmas: Speaker Abbas, deputy seek prayers, national rebirth

    The governor commended Christian communities for their contributions to Katsina’s development and their role in promoting religious harmony. He encouraged all citizens to use the festive period for reflection and to renew their dedication to the state’s progress. 

    Radda also appealed for continued prayers for peace, security, and prosperity in Katsina, the northwest region, and Nigeria as a whole.

    He reassured residents of his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations.  

  • God saved Katsina from banditry, poverty through Radda -Priest

    God saved Katsina from banditry, poverty through Radda -Priest

    • Tafoki lauds Nasir’s appointment as CoS

    A Katsina-based Catholic priest, Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa, has thanked God on behalf of Christians in Katsina for saving the state from banditry attacks and poverty, through the efforts of the state governor, Dikko Umar Radda.

    Bishop Musa who gave a thanksgiving message during 2024 Christmas Carol Church Service held at the St Martin De Poor Catholic Church, Katsina, said Christmas messages highlights redemption, compassion, and the true Spirit of God, reminding mankind the importance of generosity, love, and human connection.

    He said: “The story of Ebenezer Scrooge beautifully reflects Immanuel – God with us through themes of divine intervention, hope, compassion and light. Scrooge’s transformation shows how God’s grace can redeem even the hardest of hearts, offering second chances and new beginnings,” love and serve others, reflecting God’s enduring presence among us.

    “A Christmas carol serves as a powerful literary illustration of Immanuel – God with us, emphasising themes of redemption, compassion and the transformative power of grace; making it a timeless moral and spiritual classic”.

    In another development, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency, Katsina State, Shehu Dalhatu Tafoki, has commended Governor Radda over the recent cabinet appointments, especially, the appointment of Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir as Chief of Staff.

    Read Also: BUA chairman Rabiu endorses Tinubu’s economic reforms, urges patience

    Tafoki, who was also the former Deputy Speaker of Katsina State House of Assembly, further described the appointments as strategic, reflecting the Governor’s commitment to excellence, competence, and seamless governance in Katsina State.

    He said: “Mamman Nasir’s track record speaks volumes- a former member of the Federal House of Representatives, a seasoned administrator with  wealth of experiences spanning political offices and corporate organisations and recently, former Managing Director of the Katsina State Irrigation Development Authority, all of which  showcased his transformative leadership, particularly in fostering sustainable development.”

    “I am confident that Nasir’s expertise and dedication will further enhance the Radda-led administration’s strides in delivering impactful governance to the people of Katsina State,” he further stated.

    “Also I wish to reaffirm my unwavering support for Governor Radda’s administration and express my optimism that these visionary appointments will translate into greater progress and prosperity for Katsina State”.