Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda has pledged that his administration will strengthen security protocols and encourage the growth of the state’s agriculture sector.
The governor revealed this late Sunday when he welcomed the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, at the Government House, Katsina.
During the visit, Radda emphasised the value of cooperation between the state government and the military services. He also made a plea to the COAS for ongoing assistance to the state.
He said, “We assure the armed forces of our readiness to support their efforts in any way we can. I appreciate the cordial relationship championed by the military leadership and acknowledge the recent improvements made to the facilities at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport.”
The governor went on to emphasise the state’s comprehensive strategy for tackling the underlying causes of banditry.
“I recognise that unemployment, illiteracy and a lack of livelihood opportunities are major contributors to the security challenges we face,” Radda explained, adding that with approximately 90 per cent of the state’s population engaged in agriculture, the state government has prioritised investment in the sector.
“Last week, we deployed about N30 billion to purchase equipment for mechanised farming,” Radda said, as he noted that the state government had procured and distributed more fertilisers than any other state in Nigeria.
Additionally, he revealed plans to distribute more than 4,000 solar-powered irrigation pumps, with an emphasis on encouraging young people to get involved in agriculture.
“This initiative will not only enhance food security but also provide sustainable livelihoods for our young people,” the governor affirmed.
Addressing the security situation in the state, Radda stated, “The Katsina State Security Watch has been instrumental in this effort, leading to the arrest of over 1,000 informants.
“We are actively engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads to identify and eliminate suspicious elements within our communities.”
Responding, the COAS commended the state government’s efforts in enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing mechanisms, saying, “The priority given to security in the past year has fostered a more conducive environment for sustained socioeconomic growth and development of the state.
“I appreciate the governor for his commitment towards lasting peace in the State, especially in his efforts at establishing the Katsina Community Watch Corps.”
In addition, the COAS gave the governor his word that he intended to send more Special Forces personnel to the NAF QRWs in the state’s Katsina, Daura, and Funtua regions. These locations are strategically chosen to support the military’s and other security agencies’ operations.
He also sent his sympathies to the wonderful people of Katsina State and the administration about the recent passing of Late Dada Yar’adua, the mother of the late President Umaru Yar’adua.
