President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on state governors across Nigeria to concentrate on delivering measurable progress to their constituents and disregard what he described as distractions from “armchair critics.”
The President made this call on Friday during a two-day working visit to Katsina State, where he commissioned key infrastructure and agricultural projects executed by Governor Dikko Umar Radda.
Addressing the gathering at the commissioning ceremony of the 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass Road and the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre on Friday, President Tinubu said, “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.”
The newly commissioned bypass, completed in 18 months, links Dutsin-ma Road through Kano and Daura Roads and terminates at Yandaki in Kaita Local Government Area. The President hailed the project as a testament to good governance and effective leadership.
Acknowledging the security challenges in the state, Tinubu praised the resilience of the government and people of Katsina in confronting terrorism and banditry. “We have decided for peace and stability. I know you face terrorism and banditry attacks in the state, but you have shown determination and courage to move Katsina State forward. You will not walk alone. The federal government will be with you,” he assured.
The President emphasised that hunger and poverty remain the gravest threats to national peace and pledged his administration’s sustained focus on food security and agricultural expansion.
“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. Small and large-scale farming will be encouraged. Once we liberate ourselves from hunger, we will appreciate peace and harmony,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agricultural reform, announcing the revitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture to provide financial support for farmers across all scales of operation.
“The Bank of Agriculture is being revitalised. When resuscitated, the bank will make funds available for large, medium and small-scale farming,” he said.
President Tinubu commended Governor Radda for his remarkable performance within just half of his four-year term, highlighting achievements in agriculture, healthcare, education, and road infrastructure.
“I listened to your report card. It is a big task. In just half of your tenure, you have made remarkable progress. The commitment you have shown and the efforts you have put into government are highly commendable. You are a patriot, a son, and a progressive mind with honesty,” the President remarked.
Reflecting on the 2023 election, Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of former governors Ibrahim Shema, Aminu Bello Masari, and Ibrahim Masari, describing them as unifying figures who helped pave the way for Radda’s emergence.
“I want to congratulate the great people of Katsina for making the right choice by electing Radda. We have been collaborating with him for the good of the state and the country,” he added.
Calling for a national shift from oil dependency, Tinubu reiterated that agriculture holds the key to Nigeria’s economic future.
“You have introduced a great, progressive movement in Katsina State by just tilling the land and putting the land to use. Farming will be our source of prosperity and growth. We should remove ourselves from reliance on oil and commit to agriculture. It will bring prosperity. I commend you for the mechanisation programme. It is a great investment, and I hope others can learn from it,” he said.
The President also expressed gratitude to traditional institutions in Katsina and Daura for their unwavering support for national unity and progress.
“Thank you for the great honour that you have given me. Your coming to the airport to receive me made me feel so welcome. I am your son, and I am one of you. You’ve demonstrated commitment and sincerity to the unity and peace of our country. God will continue honouring and raising you in grace for our country. For me, this is homecoming, and Katsina is home. Home to progress, development and freedom for good,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Radda outlined the milestones achieved under his administration, noting that the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre will serve all 34 local government areas of the state. He disclosed that 400 tractors were procured through a federal government intervention of N25 billion.
He also announced the construction and rehabilitation of 160km of roads, improved water supply and power infrastructure, and enhancements in healthcare delivery.
“The Ministry of Agriculture has supplied the state with 4,000 pumping machines to enhance irrigation farming. Last year, we distributed 448,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser to farmers. This year, 400,000 metric tonnes will be distributed,” Radda said.
The commissioning was attended by the governors of Borno, Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, and Jigawa; former Governors Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema; and ministers of culture, solid minerals, and agriculture.
