@Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has positioned himself as an impressive leader. His impact, without doubt, resonates far beyond state boundaries. The Gwagwaren Katsina, as he is fondly called, is turning Katsina state into a daily newsmaker through his strategic infrastructure projects and commitment to rural development.
The Governor, flanked by traditional rulers, community stakeholders and development partners, commissioned a 24.5-kilometer Danja-Bazanga-Nahuce road on Monday, February 10, 2025. This World Bank-assisted project, executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), goes beyond road construction; it symbolizes the governor’s ability to forge productive partnerships for state development. Inclusively, the N3 billion investment in the Danja Dam road is nothing but a show of the administration’s commitment to rural accessibility and economic growth.
One thing we must note is that Governor Radda’s infrastructure vision extends across all zones of Katsina State. He has always prioritized balanced development from Funtua to Daura and the central region. Worthy of note are the three major road projects underway, the strategic Kasuwar Chindo-Dam Maigauta-Kirare-Nahuce road with its vital spur to Gidan Taburi, and an innovative bypass road connecting the Danja sugar factory to Unguwar Mai Gauta-Danja-Unguwar Digala and Dan Mahawayi Road.
Yes, the pattern of road infrastructure development under Radda’s leadership is particularly impressive. In Faskari, the 18-kilometre Sheme-Unguwar-Sarki-Faskari upgrade is taking shape, while the Funtua/Dandume axis sees the enhancement of the 12-kilometre Kasuwar Mata stretch. The Kafur and Kusada/Ingawa regions are witnessing a facelift through the 7.54-kilometre Gozaki-Sabon Gari-Laying Baushe project and the ambitious 10.2-kilometre Kusada-Kafarda-Yaya upgrade, supported by a substantial N2.6 billion investment.
We must admit that the impact of these projects extends to previously underserved areas. When we take a look at the Garki-Kuntaru-Baushi in Baure and the 4.5-kilometre Maiadua-Daba-Bosotsuwa road in Maiadua local government set out to transform rural connectivity.
May I ask you this? What does it mean for the Governor to have said, “Roads play a vital role in uplifting the lives of our people. They bring joy and relief to communities, facilitate trade and improve access to essential services.” Let me give you an expo. The governor is ready to drive economic growth in the rural communities. He’s giving the governed the basic social amenities every sane leader should give his subjects. The governor is also leading by example.
On another angle, the governor’s approach to development has garnered widespread public support. In Danja, the road commissioning turned into a carnival-like celebration, while in Gozaki, schoolchildren lined the streets, chanting “Sai Dikko.” If we see any leader enjoying this type of praise, it passes many messages. What’s that message? It is a genuine recognition of Radda’s continuous street credibility and public acceptance. It shows the children understand the impact made in their educational lives. Even though the governor is someone who doesn’t like all these praises. He has always seen himself as a servant leader. I am dead sure if all these praises can be converted to developmental projects, the governor would gladly take and beautify Katsina more.
What Governor Radda has done cannot be wiped out. A razor-sharp mind, Radda puts community development first as a way to give ownership of developmental projects to the community. The initiative is also set to give opportunity to deserving inhabitants with zero political influence. Radda attended an empowerment programme in Zango local government, he was particularly happy with the Chairman Hon. Babangida Zango for the adoption of the State Government’s Community Development Programme. Hon. Babangida has made his mark to be the first local government to domesticate this initiative. Kudos!!!
On Monday 10th February, 2025, in less than 48 hours, Radda visited nine local governments. He set the new standard for executive engagement. This approach has earned him not just political goodwill but also prayers from religious organizations and community leaders.
As a first-term governor with less than two years in office, Radda’s achievements are particularly noteworthy. His administration’s focus on completing inherited projects while initiating new ones. Thanks to Radda for strategically leveraging on RAAMP and other partnerships to maximize development opportunities.
In some months to come, more ribbons will be cut. The ongoing projects are nearing completion and new ones have kicked the ground running. Truly, Radda’s vision of interconnected, economically vibrant communities is never a fallacy. Only a roadmaster can do this. Changing the infrastructural outlook of Katsina, and by extension, the lives of its people. For every reason, the governor’s blend of strategic thinking, decisive action, and community engagement is that of a roadmaster. Indeed, our man is writing a new chapter in the north’s development history.
Guess what? When the tents and tables are set for the ribbon cutting across Funtua, Daura and Katsina, you won’t be the last to know. From now on, Governor Radda remains focused on Building the Future every son and daughter of Katsina can proudly call theirs. Your support and my support will go a long way in making this possible. Let this pen pause now, till another good day, when I’d be bringing you more good news courtesy of our roadmaster.
