Katsina: President Bola Tinubu has called on governors to stay focused on delivering tangible results that enhance the lives of their constituents, urging them to disregard armchair critics. The President emphasized that the true measure of leadership is reflected in positive, visible impacts during a two-day visit to Katsina.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, President Tinubu articulated this viewpoint while commissioning a 24-kilometer road completed by Governor Dikko Radda within 18 months. He also inaugurated the Katsina Agricultural Mechanised Centre, highlighting the importance of putting the people’s needs at the forefront of governmental programs. “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,” Tinubu stated.
The President’s visit included the commissioning of the Eastern Bypass road, extending from Dutsin-ma Road through Kano and Daura Roads, terminating at Yandaki in the Kaita Local Government Area. Acknowledging the challenges posed by terrorism and banditry in the state, Tinubu commended the local leadership’s determination and courage to advance Katsina State, assuring federal support for peace and stability.
Tinubu pointed out that hunger and poverty are the most significant threats to peace in Nigeria. He remarked, “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.” He emphasized the need for encouraging both small and large-scale farming to achieve food security and economic prosperity.
The President revealed plans to revitalize the Bank of Agriculture to better serve farmers’ needs and enhance agricultural productivity. He praised Governor Radda’s contributions to agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure within a short time frame. “The commitment you have shown and the efforts you have put into government are highly commendable,” Tinubu noted.
Tinubu also challenged governors to focus more on agriculture, stating that “farming will be our source of prosperity and growth” and urged a shift from reliance on oil to agriculture. He lauded the mechanisation program as a significant investment and expressed hope that other states would emulate it.
The President expressed gratitude to past governors for their purposeful leadership and acknowledged the traditional council, Katsina, and Daura Emirates for their support of national unity, peace, and progress. “Your coming to the airport to receive me made me feel so welcome. I am your son, and I am one of you,” he added.
Governor Radda highlighted that the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre would serve the state’s 34 local councils, with 400 tractors purchased through a federal government intervention. Additionally, he reported significant infrastructure improvements, including 160 km of roads constructed or rehabilitated, enhanced power and water supply, and better healthcare facilities.
He also mentioned that the Ministry of Agriculture had supplied the state with 4,000 pumping machines for irrigation farming, and farmers received substantial quantities of fertilizers in the past year. The event was attended by governors from Borno, Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, and Jigawa states, as well as former Governors Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema, and ministers of culture, solid minerals, and agriculture.