Yesterday, I received the Vice President, @KashimSM and his entourage in my residence on a well-wishing visit over a minor accident I was involved last week. I appreciate the gesture and it reflects strong bond of leadership and shared humanity that’s beyond politics.
In the late hours of yesterday, I had the honour of receiving my esteemed colleagues and brothers from the Progressive Governors Forum, who paid me a well-wishing visit following the incident we experienced last week. I sincerely appreciate their thoughtful and heartfelt gesture.
Arrival of the 6th Medical Relief Container in Katsina State.
Katsina State Government is pleased to announce the arrival of the Sixth Container of Medical Supplies from World Medical Relief to Katsina State.
In November 2023, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, @dikko_radda visited the Headquarters of World Medical Relief in Detroit, Michigan, United States.
During the visit, eleven (11) Containers of vital Medical Equipment and Supplies were allocated to the Katsina State Government.
The First Two Containers arrived in January 2025, followed by the delivery of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Containers last month.
The arrival of the Sixth Container marks another significant milestone in the on-going effort to strengthen Healthcare infrastructure and improve Medical service delivery across the State.
Condolence Visit To Mantau Village, Malumfashi LG
On Wednesday, I paid a condolence visit to Mantau Village in Malumfashi Local Government Area to sympathize with the families affected by the recent bandit attack that tragically claimed the lives of innocent worshippers during prayers.
During the visit, I reaffirmed our administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government for the deployment of a military battalion to enhance security in Malumfashi and surrounding areas.
To help restore hope and rebuild the affected community, I announced a series of development initiatives, including the construction of a modern school and hospital, the full renovation of the affected mosque and houses, and the rehabilitation of access roads to improve emergency response and security operations.
Additionally, I approved an immediate relief package of ₦500,000 for each affected household, alongside the development projects for the community.
Finally, I assured the residents and the people of Katsina State of my administration’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace, ensuring security, and promoting lasting stability across the state.
SUMMARY OF THE 12TH MEETING OF THE KATSINA STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Yesterday, I presided over the 12th meeting of the Katsina State Executive Council, where we took significant decisions aimed at strengthening our collective fight against banditry and insecurity across the state.
At the meeting, the Council approved the procurement of 700 motorcycles and 20 Hilux vehicles to boost the capacity, mobility, and response time of our security architecture. In addition, approval was granted for the acquisition of security arms machines, tactical carry cases, slings, tools, clearing kits, and manuals to support the joint operations of the Katsina Security Watch Corps and the Department of State Services (DSS).
To ensure our operatives can access difficult terrains and major criminal hideouts, the Council also ratified the procurement of additional Toyota Land Cruiser (Buffalo) Armored Pickups, which will provide secure movement in areas vulnerable to ambush.
We believe that sustainable development can only thrive in safe and peaceful environments. This is why our administration has placed security as its number one priority. The measures approved are part of our broader efforts to reinforce community-based security initiatives while supporting the Federal security formations—the Police, DSS, and Civil Defence—with the tools they need to combat crime effectively and efficiently.
I want to assure the people of Katsina State that we are confronting this challenge with every kobo, every resource, every energy, and with absolute sincerity of purpose. Our determination is unconditional. We will not relent until we achieve a safer Katsina where our people can live, work, and prosper, and where economic growth and sustainable development can truly flourish.
In the build-up to the 2023 General Elections, I had the privilege of going round the state to engage directly with the people of Katsina. At every engagement, I shared the contents of the “Building Your Future” policy document, which outlined our vision, initiatives, and reforms designed to restore pride and progress in our state. Today, just two years into this administration, I am grateful to say that many of those promises are steadily becoming reality.
One of the most important milestones on this journey is what we celebrated yesterday—the unveiling of the Katsina Special Schools Program. From the onset, our administration conceived the idea of creating special secondary schools that would serve as talent factories and centers of innovation for the future of Katsina and Nigeria. To achieve this, three (3) schools—located in Radda, Jikamshi, and Dumurkul, representing each of the state’s zones—have been under construction and are now nearing completion.
Together with relevant stakeholders in the education sector, we are now ready to launch academic activities in these schools. After a rigorous screening and selection process involving pupils from all 361 wards and 34 local governments, a total of 2,172 candidates have qualified to sit for the upcoming merit-based entrance examinations. From this pool, 996 of the best students will gain admission as the pioneer set of the special schools.
Every admitted student will receive full government sponsorship. This includes uniforms, computers, standard accommodation, 24-hour electricity, internet connectivity, and all the facilities necessary to create a truly world-class learning environment.
During the unveiling ceremony, I have emphasized that these schools are reserved for only the brightest minds in our state, regardless of family background or social status. Therefore, I have directed all stakeholders to ensure that the admission process remains transparent, fair, and merit-driven at every stage.
To the Katsina people, I express my deepest gratitude for your patience, trust, and support. I reassure you of my unending commitment to building a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Together, we are not just keeping promises, we are building the foundation for a greater Katsina.
Chinese Consortium to Invest $150m in Katsina State
Yesterday, I received a 25-member delegation of Chinese investors from China Overseas Engineering Co. Ltd. (COVEC), who were in Katsina State on a three-day investment mission facilitated by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), headed by Mr Ahmed Yarima. The delegation was in Katsina to explore opportunities across different sectors of our state’s economy.
I am pleased to announce that the consortium has unveiled plans to invest $150m in partnership with the Katsina State Government. As part of this initiative, the government will provide 4,000 hectares of land for large-scale agricultural and industrial projects.
The investment areas include:
-Development of 2,500 hectares at Sabke Dam for maize cultivation to support livestock feed production.
-Establishment of a fisheries value chain on 380 hectares at Dabirang Dam.
-Creation of a leather processing factory and an agricultural research institute focused on goat and cattle breeding.
-Partnership with the state government to expand the Goat Breeding Centre at Ladanawa and the establishment of the Katsina State Green Economic Zone.
In addition to agriculture, the consortium has also expressed interest in the energy sector, with plans to set up a solar products assembly plant to serve the growing demand for renewable energy solutions in Nigeria, in line with the global energy transition.
I encouraged the investors to move quickly from planning to execution and assured them of the full support of my administration in providing the enabling environment needed for success. We will continue working closely with NIPC and our partners to ensure these commitments translate into real and tangible benefits for the people of Katsina State.
This engagement is a strong signal of the confidence international partners have in Katsina State and a step forward in our journey to building a stronger and prosperous economy for our people.
President Tinubu Orders Immediate Security Reinforcement in Katsina State
In response to the recent resurgence of bandit attacks in Katsina State, I had the honor of leading a high-powered delegation of stakeholders from the state to meet with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT), GCFR, to seek urgent federal intervention on the worsening security situation.
The President, after listening to our concerns, acknowledged the gravity of the security challenges confronting Katsina and other parts of the country. He immediately directed a comprehensive reinforcement of security in Katsina State. This includes a review of existing strategies by all security agencies, the deployment of additional air surveillance, as well as the redeployment of troops within Katsina and across its border communities to confront the menace decisively.
President Tinubu further assured that ground troops will intensify operations in the weeks ahead, with the firm resolve to eliminate criminal elements and restore lasting peace to the state.
On behalf of the people of Katsina, I conveyed my deepest appreciation to Mr. President for his openness, responsiveness, and unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of our state.
I also wish to reassure the good people of Katsina that my administration will continue to work hand in hand with the Federal Government and all relevant security stakeholders to ensure that Katsina remains safe, peaceful, and prosperous.
Security remains at the heart of my administration’s priorities, and it is through meaningful partnerships and collaborations that we continue to pursue peace and stability in our state.
It was in this spirit that we came together yesterday with international donors, development and implementation partners to launch the €5.1 million Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response, and Resilience programme, funded by the European Union (EU). This initiative marks an important step forward in our collective efforts to strengthen peace, resilience, and development in Katsina State.
The programme will be delivered in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and Mercy Corps. At local level, it will be implemented in collaboration with state and local governments and coordinated by the Katsina State Development Management Board (KTSDMB).
Led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Grantier Migrot, the 18-month initiative will focus on three key areas: Peace-building and conflict mitigation, Livelihood support and economic recovery and Governance and institutional strengthening.
The programme also aims to establish community peace structures, strengthen early warning systems, launch media campaigns promoting peace, and implement over 20 quick-impact projects.
Special attention will be given to internally displaced persons (IDPs), host communities, and other vulnerable groups through initiatives such as vocational training, climate-smart agriculture, and improved market access. These efforts are designed to help communities move from trauma to healing, from fear to safety, and from despair to a renewed hope.
This programme represents more than just development—it signals a new era of partnership, hope, and collective action that puts communities, especially women, youth, and the most vulnerable, at the centre of recovery and resilience-building efforts.
During the launch, I also had the honour of inaugurating the Project Steering Committee, which will play a vital role in ensuring transparent, coordinated, and accountable implementation of the programme.
I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our funding partners, our dedicated implementation teams, and our local collaborators for their commitment and support at this critical time.
And most importantly, I thank the people of Katsina State for their patience, resilience, and unending support. You continue to inspire our work every day. I remain fully committed to building the Katsina we all dream of--a safer, stronger, and more prosperous state for all.
Katsina State Executive Council Approves Key Projects to Drive Development.
At its 13th regular meeting held yesterday, the Katsina State Executive Council approved a series of impactful projects across the information, education, works, and commerce sectors. These decisions reflect the administration’s ongoing commitment to delivering on the "Building Your Future" agenda—focused on improving education, driving innovation, modernizing infrastructure, strengthening public services, and promoting inclusivity across the state.
One of the key approvals was the completion of the Katsina State Transport Authority(KTSTA) Modern Terminal at Dandagoro. This project is designed to modernize transport within the Katsina metropolis, ease commuting, and drive economic activity. It represents a major step toward aligning Katsina with global standards for urban infrastructure.
The Council also approved the leasing of Malumfashi Motel to private investors. This move is part of the government’s broader strategy to optimize public assets and attract investment, turning underutilized state-owned properties into engines of economic growth and job creation.
In the information sector, the Council approved the full digitization of Katsina State Television (KTTV). The upgrade will include the installation of a 5KW transmitter, a 2.2KW backup transmitter, and a solar power system. This will allow KTTV to broadcast via satellite, reaching viewers through decoders and standard antennas, while delivering high-quality sound and visuals. The transformation is expected to position KTTV as a leading platform for information, education, and entertainment across the state and beyond.
In education, the Council approved a contract for the procurement of customized textbooks for Early Education Childhood Development (EECD), primary, and junior secondary schools across all 34 local government areas of the state. This initiative is aimed at improving literacy rates, enhancing academic performance, and reviving the reading culture among pupils.
These decisions reaffirm the government’s dedication to transparent, people-centered governance, and sustainable development. Each project is a step toward building a stronger, smarter, and more inclusive state for all.
Happy Birthday to an exceptional leader and my extraordinary husband. You are my mentor, my strength, and my greatest inspiration. I am deeply proud of the man you are and the vision you carry for our people. May this new year of your life bring you boundless joy, good health, and endless blessings. Cheers to many more fulfilling years together
Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of receiving the MD/CEO of @FirstBankngr, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, on a courtesy visit to the Katsina State Government House.
During the visit, we discussed a range of important matters, including his condolence message on the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, birthday greetings on the occasion of my 56th birthday, and a review of our ongoing economic, institutional, and financial reforms since taking office in 2023, particularly in relation to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Mr. Alebiosu commended our administration's bold reforms, policies, and initiatives aimed at driving economic growth and sustainable development across Katsina State.
On behalf of the government and people of Katsina State, I sincerely appreciate this kind visit and the goodwill expressed. Gestures such as this help strengthen the collaborative relationship between the public and private sectors.
Mr Segun was accompanied by Shehu Aliyu, Executive Director (Public Sector); Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Bala Kuki, Chairman, Board of Directors, Norrenberger Financial Services Group Aliyu Mashi Regional Manager North First Bank and Usman Lawal, Area Controller, North, International Energy Insurance Plc.
Quality education plays a fundamental role in addressing insecurity by tackling its root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and ignorance. It empowers individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to promote critical thinking, tolerance, and responsible citizenship. Educated communities are better equipped to resist manipulation, extremism, and violence. Furthermore, quality education fosters social inclusion, expands economic opportunities, and strengthens institutions-all of which are essential to building long-term peace and security.
It is on this foundation that my administration continues to invest strategically in the education sector and actively supports initiatives by NGOs that promote access to quality education and academic excellence in Katsina State.
I was honoured to attend the official launch of the Dan Amana Tested and Trusted Initiative at Nagogo Primary School, Katsina. This initiative is aimed at supporting underprivileged children to gain access to quality education. Its objectives align strongly with our "Building Your Future" Education Agenda, which is focused on positioning Katsina as a leading hub of educational excellence in Nigeria.
As part of our commitment, we have already taken bold steps. Early in this administration, we sponsored dozens of Katsina children, mostly from disadvantaged backgrounds, to study Medicine in Egypt and Artificial Intelligence in China based on academic merit. I'm proud to note that many of them are performing exceptionally well in their various fields.
Most recently, we launched the Katsina Special Schools Program, which includes the establishment of three world-class schools in Radda, Jikamshi, and Dumurkul. These schools are designed to serve as talent hubs for Katsina and the entire nation. Admission into these schools--for both students and teachers--is currently ongoing and will be based purely on merit, regardless of background or social status.
These and many other initiatives reflect our administration’s unwavering commitment to raising educational standards, promoting excellence, and driving sustainable development across Katsina State.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of officially declaring open the National Retreat of the Nigeria Community Action For Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program, hosted by Katsina State.
We are proud to host this important national event, which brings together lawmakers, program managers, and critical stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond. The retreat reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the country’s social protection systems and advancing inclusive, sustainable development.
The two-day retreat, themed “Building a Sustainable NG-CARES Program: The Role of the National Assembly,” focuses on the critical role of the National Assembly in ensuring the long-term success of the NG-CARES initiative.
In my address, I highlighted the deliberate and strategic efforts we have undertaken in Katsina to improve the welfare of our people, especially the most vulnerable. Through the KT-CARES program, we have recorded significant progress in enhancing livelihoods, empowering communities, and building resilience.
With over N100 billion invested in social protection, our administration has delivered impactful interventions across the program’s three core result areas: the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), FADAMA, and the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA).
From Dankama to Damari, NG-CARES has transformed lives, revitalized rural economies, and reinforced our state’s commitment to inclusive growth and social protection. Katsina is now recognized as a leading example in the implementation of NG-CARES program nationwide.
I encouraged all participants to engage fully, exchange ideas, and propose innovative, practical solutions to improve the program’s implementation. I also urged them to reflect deeply on the National Assembly’s broader role, not only in oversight functions, but also in shaping policy, mobilizing resources, and ensuring the sustainability of NG-CARES.
Stakeholder engagement is a vital tool of transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance. It ensures that diverse perspectives are incorporated into the decision-making process, thereby driving trust, enhancing policy effectiveness, and promoting sustainable, equitable, and responsive governance.
In line with this principle, I convened a high-level consultation session that brought together key stakeholders across Katsina State to deliberate on issues of security, governance, and development. The session brought together a broad mix of society, including elders, political and religious leaders, traditional rulers, former service chiefs, academics, youth representatives, civil society organizations, and distinguished sons and daughters of Katsina, both at home and in the diaspora. United by a shared commitment to the state's future, the participants assessed our progress thus far, evaluated ongoing challenges and contributed immensely to shaping strategies for lasting peace and sustainable development.
During the consultation, we presented our performance under the “Building Your Future” agenda, highlighting our achievements in the areas of security, education, agriculture, healthcare, MSMEs, and overall economic development. This presentation served as the basis for a comprehensive review, critical assessment, and refinement of ideas aimed at improving service delivery for the people of Katsina State.
I am pleased to acknowledge the wealth of valuable contributions, suggestions, and constructive feedback received from various quarters. These valuable contributions will be carefully reviewed, and many will be incorporated into our plans and policies where appropriate.
I extend my sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for their active participation, thoughtful input, and unending commitment to strengthening good governance in our state.
In response to recent reports highlighting the growing concern of malnutrition in Katsina State, a special committee was constituted to undertake a comprehensive review of the situation. The committee was tasked with analyzing the reports, identifying the most affected areas and vulnerable households, and providing actionable recommendations to mitigate the crisis.
I am pleased to inform the Katsina people that I have received the committee’s report, which contains insightful findings and detailed recommendations. The committee has done an outstanding job, and I commend their thoroughness and dedication.
Among the recommendations is the immediate provision of relief to the most severely affected communities. In line with this, I have directed the release of 90,000 bags of grains from the state’s strategic reserve for distribution to the most vulnerable citizens, in order to alleviate the immediate impact of the crisis.
Furthermore, the committee identified limited access to Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) Centres as a major contributing factor to the malnutrition challenge. To address this, I have ordered the immediate establishment of OTP Centres in all 34 Local Government Areas of the state to ensure broader and more equitable access to nutritional care.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the committee for their commitment, diligence, and sacrifice in carrying out this important assignment. Their findings have provided both a clearer understanding of the scale of the problem and a well-defined path forward. Their recommendations will significantly inform government policy and intervention strategies.
By the grace of Allah, this administration remains fully committed to implementing sustainable solutions that enhance the well-being of our people, particularly in the areas of health, education, and socio-economic development.
A PROUD MOMENT FOR US IN KATSINA
Katsina State has once again been recognized for its notable achievements in climate-compliant practices, securing 7th position among African subnational governments at the recently concluded 2nd Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This achievement underscores the state's proactive approach to addressing climate change, a topic of growing global importance. It serves as a testament to our commitment to not only execute projects and programs but to do so in alignment with global best practices, ensuring a safe, resilient and sustainable future for all.
The selection and ranking process was conducted by Green Climate International, a Canada-based climate support and lobby group. Katsina State was ranked 7th out of 275 subnational governments from 33 African countries for its climate compliance in project implementation. The selection involved a rigorous challenge where all subnationals were required to submit details of their executed projects using a climate-compliant template.
Representing the state, the Katsina State Climate Secretariat submitted fourteen (14) key projects, completed with photographs and GPS coordinates for satellite verification. These projects demonstrate a comprehensive approach to climate mitigation and adaptation such as:
-Off-grid renewable energy initiatives for hospitals, schools, and other public institutions
-Carbon footprint reduction through street lighting
-Development of Katsina State Carbon-Sink Assets
-Sustainable water supply and efficient rural water schemes
-Afforestation in desert frontline areas and desertification control projects
-Climate-smart agriculture
-And many more
This recognition places Katsina State on the global map as a leader in climate action and sustainable development. It highlights our significant efforts both within Nigeria and across the African continent.
I extend my profound appreciation to the Katsina State Climate Secretariat for their unwavering commitment and continous guidance, which were instrumental in achieving a greener, safer, resilient and sustainable state for our people.
GRADUATION CEREMONY OF SONGHAI TRAINEES
It was a moment of immense pride and joy as we gathered yesterday to celebrate the graduation ceremony of the pioneer batch of the Songhai Comprehensive Training Centre, Makera, Dutsinma. This historic event marks a significant milestone, not only in the lives of the 102 graduating youths, but in our collective journey toward agricultural transformation and socio-economic empowerment in Katsina State.
When we assumed office two years ago, we made a bold commitment of lifting our people out of poverty through agriculture, enterprise, and skills development. Yesterday’s ceremony stands as a testament to that promise fulfilled, and fulfilled in grand style.
We are celebrating 102 graduates—drawn from all 34 Local Government Areas of the state—who are leaving the Centre not as job seekers, but as skilled agripreneurs. They are empowered with practical knowledge, equipped with startup capital, and prepared to become job creators, contributors to food security, and drivers of economic growth in their communities.
Katsina State, located in the heart of the Sahel Savannah, is endowed with fertile soil and a resilient, hardworking population. We are traditionally known for production of millet, sorghum, maize, soybeans, cowpeas, and rice. Our irrigation potential also supports the cultivation of tomatoes, peppers, onions, sugarcane, and a variety of vegetables. Despite this rich agricultural heritage, our farmers have faced long-standing challenges such as low productivity, outdated farming techniques, limited access to finance, and constrained market linkages.
In response to these challenges, we made the strategic decision to revive, expand, and reposition the Songhai Centre in Makera, Dutsinma, as the epicenter of our agricultural transformation agenda. Over the past six months, this Centre has delivered intensive training to the graduating set, covering practical areas such as poultry and fish farming, crop management, soil science, market gardening, livestock husbandry, and biogas production.
These young men and women now represent the face of a new agricultural ecosystem, one that is inclusive, knowledge-driven, and focused on the full value chain of food production. They are pioneers of a new generation equipped with the skills, tools, and mindset to transform agriculture from a subsistence activity into a thriving commercial enterprise.
To ensure the sustainability of their training and to enable immediate translation of knowledge into practice, I have approved a seed capital grant of One Million Naira (N1,000,000) for each graduate. This is not merely financial support; it is a vote of confidence in their potential, a foundation for enterprise, and a direct investment in the future prosperity of Katsina State.
The Songhai Initiative is an integral part of our broader Agricultural Transformation Policy. Our vision is to transition Katsina State from subsistence to commercial agriculture, to generate employment, enhance food security, and position our state as a leading hub for agribusiness in Nigeria.
I once again congratulate the graduating class, the management of the Songhai Centre, and all stakeholders who made this vision a reality. Together, we are building a stronger, self-reliant, and food-secure Katsina State.
On Thursday, I had the honour of attending the flag-off ceremony of the Katsina Local Government Scholarship Scheme.
This initiative, fully-funded by the Katsina Local Government Council, will provide scholarships to 106 students from Katsina Local Government Area to pursue their studies at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic.
This bold and impactful decision reflects a leadership style that prioritises direct and tangible support to citizens. It further underscores our belief that effective and responsive governance at the local level remains the most impactful form of governance.
Notably, this marks the second time in just about four months that Katsina Local Government has sponsored the education of another set to Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management, an effort that is both commendable and exemplary. It also highlights our administration’s commitment to promoting functional, autonomous, and people-focused local governance across the state.
I sincerely commend the Chairman of Katsina Local Government, Hon. Isah Miqdad, for this laudable initiative. I encourage the beneficiaries to remain focused, disciplined, and dedicated to their studies, and to represent Katsina State with pride and integrity.
I also call on other Local Government Councils to emulate this example by initiating projects and programmes that directly improve the lives of our citizens.