Katsina Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has vowed his administration’s dedication to enhancing security measures and promoting agricultural development in the state.
The Governor made this known during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar at Government House Katsina.
During the visit, Governor Radda appealed to the Air Chief for continued support to the state, emphasising the importance of collaboration between the state government and the armed forces.
“We assure the armed forces of our readiness to support their efforts in any way we can,” stated Governor Radda.
He went on to express his appreciation for the cordial relationship championed by the military leadership and acknowledged the recent improvements made to the facilities at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport.
The Governor highlighted the state’s multifaceted approach to addressing the root causes of banditry, drawing inspiration from a recent visit to the United States with other Northwest Governors.
“I recognize that unemployment, illiteracy, and lack of livelihood opportunities are major contributors to the security challenges we face,” Governor Radda explained.
He emphasized that with approximately 90% of Katsina’s population engaged in agriculture, the state government has prioritized investment in this sector.
To this end, Governor Radda announced several initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and creating employment opportunities.
“Last week, we deployed about 30 billion naira to purchase equipment for mechanized farming,” he stated.
The Governor also revealed that Katsina State has procured and distributed more fertilizer than any other state in Nigeria, ensuring timely delivery to farmers.
In addition to these measures, Governor Radda disclosed plans to distribute over 4,000 solar-powered irrigation pumps, particularly targeting youth engagement 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, Governor Radda reported significant progress in identifying and apprehending informants collaborating with bandits.
“The Katsina State Security Watch which we created from within the affected communities has been instrumental in this effort, leading to the arrest of over 1,000 informants,” he revealed.
The Governor cited a recent case where the arrest of one woman led to the apprehension of 67 additional suspects in a single village.
Governor Radda urged community members to organize themselves proactively and encouraged residents to remain vigilant.
“We are actively engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads to identify and eliminate suspicious elements within our communities,” he stated.
Reacting to the governor’s briefing on state security, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, commended the state government’s efforts in enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing mechanisms.
“The priority given to security in the past year has fostered a more conducive environment for sustained socioeconomic growth and development of the state,” Air Marshal Abubakar noted.
“I appreciate the Governor for his commitment towards lasting peace in the State, especially in his efforts at establishing the Katsina Community Watch Corps,” he stressed.
In furtherance to this, Air Marshal Abubakar assured the Governor of his desire to deploy more Special Forces troops to the NAF QRWs in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua which are strategically located to complement efforts to the armed forces and other security agencies.
He also expressed his condolences to the government and the good people of Katsina State over recent Denise of Late Hajiya Dada Yar’adua, mother of former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua.
The Chief of Air staff said, he acknowledged Katsina State government remains committed to a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate security concerns and long-term socioeconomic development.
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