President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian governors to concentrate on delivering results that enhance the lives of their citizens, advising them to disregard the distractions posed by armchair critics.
During a two-day visit to Katsina, President Tinubu emphasised that effective leadership is measured by the tangible impact it has on the populace. “Let the people be at the heart of your programmes. Your hard work and concrete achievements will answer any criticism. Ignore distractions—your results will speak for you,” he stated.
A statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga added that the President commissioned a 24 km road project completed by Governor Dikko Umar Radda within 18 months, as well as the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre. The Eastern Bypass road stretches from Dutsin-ma Road through Kano and Daura Roads to Yandaki in the Kaita Local Government Area.
Acknowledging the challenges of terrorism and banditry in the state, President Tinubu expressed his support for Katsina’s progress. “We have decided for peace and stability. I know you face terrorism and banditry attacks in the state, but you have shown determination and courage to move Katsina State forward. You will not walk alone. The federal government will be with you,” he assured.
The President highlighted that hunger and poverty are significant threats to national peace. “The economy is sailing in the right trajectory. Today, we are seeing an effort to banish hunger and a commitment to food security and the empowerment of our people. Small and large-scale farming will be encouraged. Once we liberate ourselves from hunger, we will appreciate peace and harmony,” he remarked.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to agriculture, stating, “The remarkable progress in the state will continue to be rewarded. I want to assure the Nigerian public that agriculture is the heart of our progress and must be for all. We have dedicated ourselves to food security. We must invest in mechanisation and water management. The old style of agriculture is gone.”
In a bid to support farmers, President Tinubu announced the revitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture. “The Bank of Agriculture is being revitalised. When resuscitated, the bank will make funds available for large, medium and small-scale farming,” he noted.
He praised Governor Radda for his achievements in agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure within his first two years in office. “I listened to your report card. It is a big task. In just half of your tenure, you have made remarkable progress. The commitment you have shown and the efforts you have put into government are highly commendable. You are a patriot, a son, and a progressive mind with honesty,” President Tinubu remarked.
The President thanked the citizens of Katsina for electing Governor Radda, stating, “I want to congratulate the great people of Katsina for making the right choice by electing Radda. We have been collaborating with him for the good of the state and the country.”
He also urged governors to prioritise agriculture, asserting, “You have introduced a great, progressive movement in Katsina State by just tilling the land and putting the land to use. Farming will be our source of prosperity and growth.”
President Tinubu concluded by expressing gratitude to the traditional council and past governors for their leadership and support for national unity. “Thank you for the great honour that you have given me. Your coming to the airport to receive me made me feel so welcome. I am your son, and I am one of you,” he said.
Governor Radda reported that the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre will support all 34 councils in the state, with 400 tractors purchased through a federal intervention of N25 billion. He noted the construction and rehabilitation of 160 km of roads, alongside improvements in power, water supply, and healthcare facilities.
He also highlighted the distribution of fertiliser and irrigation support to farmers, stating, “448,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser were distributed to farmers last year, and this year, they will receive 400,000 metric tonnes.”
The commissioning event was attended by governors from Borno, Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, and Jigawa states, as well as former governors Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema, alongside ministers from various sectors.
