President Bola Tinubu has encouraged Nigerian governors to stay focused on delivering meaningful development that enhances the lives of their citizens, advising them to ignore critics who do not offer constructive input.
Speaking during a two-day visit to Katsina State, Tinubu emphasized that genuine leadership is reflected through measurable, positive outcomes.
“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 said.
During the visit, Tinubu inaugurated a 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass road, completed by Governor Dikko Radda within 18 months, as well as the Katsina Agricultural Mechanised Centre.
The road runs from Dutsin-ma Road, through Kano and Daura Roads, ending at Yandaki in Kaita Local Government Area.
“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 added.
He acknowledged that poverty and hunger remain the greatest threats to peace, adding that efforts toward food security and empowerment were central to the nation’s recovery.
“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.
“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,” he stated.
He further announced plans to revive the Bank of Agriculture to provide funding for farmers at all levels.
“When resuscitated, the bank will make funds available for large, medium and small-scale farming,” he said.
Tinubu praised Governor Radda’s strides in agriculture, infrastructure, health, and education in under two years of leadership.
“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.
“It was difficult during the election when you started, thanks to former Governors like Ibrahim Shema, the bridge builder Aminu Masari and Waziri of the universe, Ibrahim Masari.
“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,” the President added.
President Tinubu challenged the governors to pay more attention to agriculture.
“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.
“We should remove ourselves from reliance on oil and commit to agriculture. It will bring prosperity. I commend you for the mechanisation programme.
“It is a great investment, and I hope others can learn from it. The construction of the 24-km road speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the government. I say thank you,” President Tinubu said.
He acknowledged the contributions of former state governors and commended the traditional institutions in Katsina and Daura for promoting 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.
“You’ve demonstrated commitment and sincerity to the unity and peace of our country.
“God will continue honouring and raising you in grace for our country. For me, this is homecoming, and Katsina is home. Home to progress, development and freedom for good,” he added.
Governor Radda shared that the agricultural centre would serve all 34 local government areas in the state, supported by the acquisition of 400 tractors using a N25 billion federal intervention.
He noted that 160 km of roads had been built or refurbished, and improvements had been made in energy, water, and healthcare access.
Radda added that the Ministry of Agriculture had supplied the state with 4,000 pumping machines to enhance irrigation farming.
He also reported the distribution of 4,000 pumping machines for irrigation and that farmers received 448,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser last year, with 400,000 metric tonnes planned for this year.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by governors from Borno, Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, and Jigawa, as well as former governors Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema, and several federal ministers.
What you should know
In Nigeria, the constitutional role of a state governor includes improving infrastructure, providing social services, and promoting economic development.
Agriculture falls under both state and federal purview, and under President Tinubu’s leadership, the federal government has prioritized food security as a national goal.
The revival of institutions like the Bank of Agriculture aligns with Nigeria’s strategic move to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil. Mechanisation and irrigation support are critical components in this shift, particularly for states like Katsina battling insecurity and food scarcity.
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