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KASTINA, Nigeria (NAN) - President Bola Tinubu has urged governors to concentrate on achieving tangible outcomes that enhance the well-being of their constituents, advising them to ignore critics from the sidelines.
The President made this call during a two-day visit to Katsina, emphasizing that true leadership is reflected in positive, visible results.
“Ensure that your programs prioritize the needs of the people. Your diligence and concrete accomplishments will address any criticism. Disregard distractions – your outcomes will speak volumes,” he stated.
The President inaugurated a 24-kilometer road, which Gov. Dikko Radda completed in 18 months.
He also launched the Katsina Agricultural Mechanised Centre.
The inaugurated road was the Eastern Bypass, extending from Dutsin-ma Road through Kano and Daura Roads, finishing at Yandaki in the Kaita Local Government Area.
“We have resolved to pursue peace and stability. I understand you are contending with terrorism and banditry in the state, but you have demonstrated the resolve and bravery to advance Katsina State.
“You are not alone in this endeavor. The federal government stands with you,” he reassured.
Tinubu pointed out that hunger and poverty pose significant challenges to peace in the nation.
“The economy is moving in a positive direction. We are witnessing efforts to eradicate hunger and a commitment to food security and the empowerment of our citizens.
“We will encourage both small and large-scale farming. Once we free ourselves from hunger, we will appreciate peace and cohesion.
“The impressive progress in the state will continue to be acknowledged. I assure the Nigerian populace that agriculture is central to our advancement and must be inclusive for all.
“We are committed to ensuring food security. We need to invest in mechanization and water management. The traditional methods of agriculture are outdated,” he declared.
The President noted that the Bank of Agriculture would be revived and appropriately restructured to address farmers' needs and enhance agricultural production.
“Upon its revival, the bank will provide funding for large, medium, and small-scale farming,” he remarked.
Tinubu praised Radda for his contributions to agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure in under two years.
“I listened to your progress report. It is a challenging task. In just half of your term, you have achieved remarkable advancements.
“Your dedication and the efforts you have put into governance are highly commendable. You are a patriot, a son of the soil, and a progressive thinker with integrity.
“It was challenging during the election when you began, thanks to former governors like Ibrahim Shema, the bridge builder Aminu Masari, and the illustrious Ibrahim Masari.
“I want to congratulate the wonderful people of Katsina for making the right choice in electing Radda. We have been collaborating with him for the betterment of both the state and the nation,” the President stated.
President Tinubu encouraged the governors to pay greater attention to agriculture.
“You have initiated a significant, progressive movement in Katsina State by simply cultivating the land and utilizing it. Farming will be our pathway to prosperity and growth.
“We must break free from dependence on oil and fully commit to agriculture. It will lead to prosperity. I commend you for the mechanization initiative.
“It is a substantial investment, and I hope others can take note of it. The construction of the 24-kilometer road illustrates the effectiveness of the government. I extend my gratitude,” President Tinubu remarked.
He expressed appreciation to former governors of the state for their purposeful leadership and acknowledged the traditional councils, Katsina, and Daura Emirates for endorsing the nation's unity, peace, and development.
“Thank you for the great honor you’ve bestowed upon me. Your presence at the airport to welcome me made me feel very appreciated. I am your son, and I am one of you.
“You have shown commitment and sincerity toward the unity and peace of our nation.
“God will continue to honor and elevate you in grace for our country. For me, this is a homecoming, and Katsina feels like home. A place of progress, development, and freedom for good,” he added.
Radda, for his part, mentioned that the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre would cater to all 34 local councils in the state, highlighting that 400 tractors had been acquired with the federal government’s N25 billion intervention.
He noted that 160 kilometers of roads had been built and some rehabilitated within the state during this time, while power, water supply, and healthcare facilities had improved people's lives.
Radda added that the Ministry of Agriculture had provided the state with 4,000 pumping machines to boost irrigation farming.
He stated that 448,000 metric tons of fertilizer were distributed to farmers in the previous year, and this year they are set to receive 400,000 metric tons.
The governors of Borno, Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, and Jigawa states attended the inauguration.
Former Governors Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema, as well as ministers for culture, solid minerals, and agriculture, were also in attendance.
