President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, where 400 brand new tractors and supporting implements have been assembled.
President Tinubu stated during the commissioning ceremony that: âThis isnât just about machinesâitâs about food security, economic empowerment, and the future of our youth. Once we free ourselves from hunger, peace and prosperity will naturally follow.â
The President also praised Governor Dikko Umaru Raddaâs administration for its achievements in just two years. âThe remarkable progress youâve made in just two yearsâespecially in agriculture, infrastructure, and social developmentâis commendable. You are a governor of honesty, integrity, and commitment,â he said.
President Tinubu reassured Katsina residents of the Federal Governmentâs support, stating, âYour governor is not walking aloneâthe Federal Government is standing with him, side by side.â
On agricultural development, the President emphasized that âagriculture must remain at the heart of Nigeriaâs development strategy. The era of subsistence farming is overâwe are investing in modern farming techniques, mechanisation, irrigation, and water management.â
The President further announced that the Bank of Agriculture is being restructured and recapitalized to make funding accessible to farmers across all levels. Declaring that Nigeria must achieve food sovereignty.
President Tinubu also commended the state government for completing the 24km Ajiwa-Ruwan Godiya road in just 18 months, calling it âa testament to your effectiveness.â
On federal projects in Katsina, the President confirmed that the second phase of the Katsina-Kano Road project is underway following the resolution of technical and bureaucratic issues. He also announced that contracts have been awarded for full rehabilitation of MarabaâKankaraâZangoâKatsina Road and SabuwaâRimiâDanjaâDayiâFuntuaâDandume Road.
The KanoâJigawaâKatsinaâMaradi Rail project is expected to be completed by 2026, which âwill ease the movement of goods and people, and reduce the burden on our roads,â according to the President.
âLet me assure you again: Katsina has not been forgotten. Many more federal projects are in the pipeline to support your growth and development,â President Tinubu affirmed.
The President paid tribute to past leaders from Katsina, saying, âLet us take a moment to remember the great leaders Katsina has given to this nationâlate President Umaru Musa YarâAdua and others whose service helped shape our democracy. May Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal peace.â
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Governor Radda highlighted Agriculture, Infrastructure, Human Capital Development, Security, and Service Delivery as the pillars of his administration developmental objectives.
âKatsina is an agrarian state, and most of our people depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. We have over 450,000 smallholder farmers with an average land size of 2.5ha, most of whom rely on government support to produce profitably and sustainably,â Governor Radda stated.
Speaking on the newly commissioned Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, the Governor explained that it would serve all 34 local government areas in the state.
âWe have 400 Lovol tractors, 10 multi-functional combine harvesters, 400 disc harrows and ridgers, 70 tractor trailers, and 1,000 multi-planters with us today. Mechanisation will help our farmers reduce the average cost of cultivation per hectare and open new land for cultivation,â he said.
The Governor revealed that his administration conducted a comprehensive survey of 411,000 farms across the state, representing over 90% of farms.
âOver 65% of farms reported high input cost and low soil fertility as significant challenges. To this end, the state spent over 20 billion to provide 400,000 bags of fertilzer (20,000 metric tonnes) in 2024,â the Governor noted.
Governor Radda announced that the distribution of 400,000 bags of fertiliser for the 2025 wet season farming would begin the following Monday. He stated that the state has provided over 6,000 solar-powered water pumps to support irrigation and dry-season farming.
On infrastructure development, the Governor pointed out the Katsina State Urban Renewal Project, which includes 55.53 kilometres of 4-lane dual carriageway and over 110 kilometres of township roads.
âIt is essential to know that the project was designed and completed in 18 months, and ahead of schedule,â he said.
âIn just two years, we have built over 160 kilometres of roads, improved intra-state connectivity and provided our people and businesses with efficient transportation,â Governor Radda added.
The Governor also mentioned significant investments in water infrastructure, including âour historyâs largest small-town and semi-urban water improvement projectâ under the SURWASH program, which will bring clean water to over one million people across the state.
In closing, Governor Radda expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for federal support in fighting insecurity, including a 25 billion naira direct intervention.
âMr. President, thank you. Your leadership of our great nation in these trying times gives us the courage to persevere and remain committed to difficult decisions that are in the long-term best interests of our people,â he said.
The Governor also thanked Speaker Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; Emir of Daura, HRH Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk; Emir of Katsina and HRH Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman for decades of leadership and support in ensuring the people are aligned with the development agenda and invaluable contribution to the Building Your Future administration.
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