Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has outlined his administration’s achievements over the past two years, citing key advances in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and security during a statewide broadcast to commemorate his second anniversary in office.
Radda revealed that 158 Primary Health Centres across the state had been upgraded, while a new dialysis centre was constructed to enhance critical healthcare services. He also noted the recruitment of 638 new healthcare professionals and the sponsorship of 41 students abroad to study medicine—part of a broader plan to build a stronger medical workforce.
He said his administration is partnering with Siemens Healthineers to develop what could become the most advanced radiology and laboratory diagnostic centre in Nigeria.
In education, the state government has built 150 new primary schools and employed more than 7,250 teachers. Computer education has also been introduced across schools, with the goal of providing early digital exposure to Katsina’s young learners.
Radda noted that all inherited road projects had been completed, while new ones were initiated, including the 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass, which was recently commissioned. The bypass is expected to significantly improve transport, decongest traffic, and support economic activity in the capital.
On food security, the governor highlighted the establishment of the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, equipped with 400 tractors, matching implements, harvesters, planters, and mobile irrigation rigs.
Thousands of farmers have already benefitted from small-scale irrigation support, and more than 700 agricultural extension workers have been trained and deployed—up from just 74 two years ago.
He announced that processing zones will soon be established to add value to agricultural products and strengthen the agro-economy.
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In finance and welfare, Radda said his government had cleared the backlog of pensions and gratuities for state and local government retirees, easing a long-standing burden on senior citizens.
On security, Radda reiterated his campaign promise to tackle banditry head-on. His administration launched the Community Watch Corps, a grassroots initiative aimed at enhancing intelligence gathering and early threat detection in rural areas.
“We have made gains in the fight against insecurity, but we must do more. Our collaboration with the federal government and the military remains key,” Radda said.
He also reaffirmed his position not to negotiate with bandits but instead support victims and encourage communities to assist with information that leads to arrests.
“We will not pay ransoms. Our focus is on empowering victims and dismantling criminal networks,” the governor stressed.
Radda pledged to continue delivering on his administration’s promises, with reforms that prioritize people, restore security, and promote economic growth across all sectors.
NAN
