In a visit that blended statecraft with symbolism, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commissioning of the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre marked more than just the unveiling of tractors, it spotlighted a shared vision for national rebirth through rural transformation.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Tinubu not only praised the governor’s integrity and achievements but reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to security, infrastructure, and food sovereignty.
The visit underscored Katsina’s emergence as a model of reform, where leadership, data-driven planning, and community-focused initiatives are laying the groundwork for sustainable development.
The highlight of the President’s visit was the unveiling of 400 brand-new Lovol tractors and other mechanisation tools, all part of the newly established Agricultural Mechanisation Centre designed to serve farmers across all 34 local government areas of the state.
The centre, according to Governor Radda, is a bold step toward improving productivity, lowering the cost of cultivation, and modernising agriculture in a state where over 450,000 smallholder farmers rely on the land for survival.
“This isn’t just about machines it’s about food security, economic empowerment, and the future of our youth,” President Tinubu declared. “Once we free ourselves from hunger, peace and prosperity will naturally follow.”
Tinubu confirmed that work had resumed on the second phase of the Katsina–Kano road after technical delays and that contracts have been awarded for the rehabilitation of other major routes, including the Maraba–Kankara–Zango–Katsina and Sabuwa–Funtua corridors.
In two years, the Radda administration has delivered over 160 kilometres of roads and initiated the Urban Renewal Project, which covers more than 55 kilometres of dual carriageways and 110 kilometres of township roads. These projects are not only easing mobility but also reshaping the economic and visual landscape of the state.
Water, too, is flowing more freely under Radda’s watch. He highlighted what he called the “largest small-town and semi-urban water improvement project” in the state’s history under the SURWASH program, expected to deliver clean water to over one million residents.
But perhaps the strongest theme of the day was security. At a state dinner attended by political and traditional leaders, President Tinubu did not shy away from acknowledging the challenge of insecurity in the North-west.
He promised continued investment in surveillance technology and a coordinated effort between federal and state governments to reclaim ungoverned spaces.
“Security is a national issue,” he stated. “Investment is cowardly, it flees from fear. If we want investors to stay, we must take back our forests and communities.”
Governor Radda noted that the state had created its security outfit to gather intelligence and support federal agencies.
He expressed gratitude for the N25 billion direct intervention by the Federal Government in supporting security initiatives.
The President also used the occasion to remember the legacy of past leaders from Katsina, including the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, praying for their eternal rest.
He acknowledged the state’s ongoing contribution to national leadership, singling out former President Muhammadu Buhari for his integrity and statesmanship.
In a lighter but equally symbolic moment, President Tinubu served as Waliyi (guardian) to Governor Radda’s daughter, Aisha, at her wedding ceremony.
The high-profile event brought together top figures in Nigerian politics from governors and ministers to traditional rulers and business leaders, underscoring the unity and national importance of the day.
Among them was the House of Representatives speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, APC National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and numerous governors: Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara/NGF Chairman), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Babagana Zulum (Borno), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Aliyu Sokoto (Sokoto), Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Mohammed Bago (Niger), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Umar Namadi, Jigawa and Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano).
Other political stalwarts are Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Minister of Information and National Orientation
Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Transport Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, former Governor Aminu Bello Masari, former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema, Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, Senators and Members of the Federal House of Representatives from Northwest and other states.
Business titans including Prince Arthur Eze, Dahiru Mangal, Isah Gerawa, Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Charles Odii and Managing Director of NEXIM Bank, Abba Bello.
Two paramount traditional rulers, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, Emir of Katsina and Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, Emir of Daura, also graced the wedding of Fatiha.
Radda, in his address, emphasized that the administration’s priorities in agriculture, infrastructure, human capital development, security, and service delivery are driven by data and designed for inclusivity.
A survey of 411,000 farms revealed pressing needs around soil fertility and high input costs, prompting the state to invest over N20 billion to supply 400,000 bags of fertilizer in 2024 alone. An additional 400,000 bags are set to be distributed for the 2025 wet season, beginning next week.
“In agriculture, we are no longer experimenting we are executing,” Radda said. “Mechanisation is our key to unlocking greater yields, lower costs, and more secure livelihoods for our farmers.”
The President concluded his visit by reaffirming the Federal Government’s readiness to support Katsina’s development journey, including the potential upgrade of its airport infrastructure, which is expected to generate over 2,700 direct jobs.
As the sun set over Katsina, one thing became clear: in the synergy between a visionary governor and an action-driven president lies a blueprint for how leadership can translate into meaningful, measurable progress. Katsina’s story is no longer just one of challenges, it is now a story of change.
