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| Governor Dikko Umar Radda |
"During this short, yet impactful period, the state is now on the cusp of reaching the pinnacle of development, poised by significant transformation across various aspects of human endeavour."
Good governance is the fundamental pillar for sustainable development and well-being of any society. In his hundred days in office, the new administration under the leadership of Malam Dikko Umar Radda (PhD) holds the promise of ushering in an era of improved governance and progress. With renewed vigour, the governor has made significant strides across multiple sectors, demonstrating his strong commitment to improving the lives of the people.
In my letter to Mal. Dikko Radda when elected as the governor of Katsina State, I promised to write and engage in a discourse, encompassing critical sectors necessitating immediate attention. These include Security, Education, Health, and other important sectors. However, as we witness the unfolding chapters of his administration marked by transparency and steadfastness, it becomes evident that Radda's stellar leadership style might have gone beyond our expectations.
During this short, yet impactful period, the state is now on the cusp of reaching the pinnacle of development, poised by significant transformation across various aspects of human endeavour. In fact, Governor Radda's remarkable journey in 100 days outweighed the performances of many political leaders, setting an unprecedented record of excellence in leadership and governance.
Although, Radda’s administration came in at a very critical period, with numerous challenges facing the state. Nonetheless, in his imaginative way, Dr. Radda is actively taking proactive measures in handling them accordingly. For instance, the issue of water shortage within the state have been a concern for many years, despite the huge resources being budgeted annually, yet the supply of clean and portable water is insufficient across the state.
The sector performance of the 2022 budget under the previous administration indicate that water supply was assigned under critical sectors, and it engulf the Sum of N4,669,124,064.47. The restoration agenda under the Capital spending also provides adequate allocation of funds to priority sectors including water resources, estimated to about N29,207,394,335.00, representing 15.8% of the Total Expenditure.
In his effort to curb the acute water shortage within katsina metropolis and other local government areas of the state, His excellency, Malam Dikko Umar Radda directed immediate and timely completion of many water projects, under the leadership of the current Managing Director, Katsina State Water Board, Engr. Dr. Tukur Tingilin.
However, on infrastructure development, the efforts and commitment of his Excellency by promptly responding to the needs and welfare of the people, especially in the face of challenges like subsidy removal and economic hardship is appreciated.
The distribution of 40,000 bags of grains and other palliatives by the State and the Federal governments have provided timely support to many families. The recent approval of N600 million for the procurement of additional 40 brand new buses to the Katsina State Transport Authority (KTSTA) and many sustainable projects and programs across the state is highly commendable.
This assistance is crucial in cushioning hardship and ensuring that basic needs are met during these challenging period.
Essentially, in the realm of governance, crucial areas such as Security, Education, and Health sectors hold much weight, particularly in the context of policy implementation. As such, the effectiveness and seriousness with which the governor Radda is addressing these sectors is an indication of his overall commitment to the welfare and progress of katsina citizens.
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To ensure the safety of the citizens, security is one of the critical sector that requires much attention from any leader. In his inaugural address on 29th May 2023, after sworn-in as the governor, Dr. Radda said his administration would prioritise fighting insecurity in the state.
Taking notable measures to fight insecurity, Governor Radda has recently approved the procurement of sixty-five (65) Toyota Hilux vehicles, seven hundred (700) units of motorcycles, and Ten (10) Armoured Personnel Carriers, worth N5.4 billion. These vehicles will enhance the mobility and capabilities of the security forces, making them well-equipped to combat crime and ensure the safety of the people, particularly in the frontline local governments prone to banditry and kidnapping.
The disbursement of N20 million to support the families of local vigilante members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in line of duty is equally commendable.
The reduction in vehicle registration fee also demonstrates Radda’s commitment in reducing the financial burden on the people, and this will provide a safer way of handling and updating vehicle’s records in the state. These efforts indicate a strong desire to bolstering the state's security apparatus in the state.
In another bid to strengthen security, the governor's initiative to train and recruit over 2000 youths into Katsina Community Watch Corps to support security agencies in their fight against banditry, and kidnapping is a welcomed idea. These proactive measures will not only equip them with essential skills but also offers them an employment opportunities.
In one of his interview with the PremiumTimes, the governor explained some the root causes of insecurity, including unemployment and he emphasized on preventive measures. His words: “Yes, I have said it over and over that security is our first priority. This is what we are going to give much attention to because it is only when you have peace and security that you can be able to go to the farm, school, or market. So, security is very cardinal in the economic development of any society, and we promise to involve use of technology in tackling the security issues in the state”.
To support this mission, my previous notes titled “Tackling the menace of Kidnapping and Banditry in Katsina: How the incoming administration can resolve the problem”, briefly captured some of the strategies, which I believe are related to the blueprint on security.
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Education as a catalyst for economic growth and social progress is one of the most important sector for sustainable development that received a considerable attention under this administration. Governor Radda has shown a strong commitment to this critical sector. The approval to pay school fees and scholarships for tertiary education and medical students has been a welcome idea and it will lessen the financial burden on many families.
In addition to this, the substantial approval of over N271 million naira for the purchase of educational materials demonstrates his dedication to improving the quality of education in the state. Because, adequate learning materials are essential for effective teaching and learning, and this investment is a step in the right direction. Moreover, the training of 1,600 civil servants on computer literacy aligns with the broader goal of digitizing government services is equally commendable. In an increasingly digital world, this initiative will enhance the productivity and efficiency of government operations.
The decision to employ 7,325 teachers under S-Power program and secondary teachers has received commendation from a broad section of the society. This laudable initiative reflects a resolute commitment to bolstering the educational sector by Radda’s administration.
However, it is on this perspective, I urge the government to establish comprehensive policy concerning teacher capacity building, quality assurance, as well as robust monitoring and evaluation systems to further enhance the education sector. Also, it is vital to ensure proper maintenance and rehabilitation of existing school infrastructure alongside the concurrent projects of the new facilities.
Adequate funding is also necessary in improving the quality of education. The Masari administration placed education under priority sectors that received attention in the 2022 budget. Under restoration agenda, a total of N18,632,987,897.00, representing ~10.12% of the Capital Expenditure was budgeted on education. Looking at the current economic realities and uncontrollable surge in commodity prices, this amount is insufficient for education sector.
Therefore, it is our hope that the Radda’s government will increase budget allocation for education, and continue to collaborate with private partners, NGOs, ministries, departments, and other agencies that can contribute and promote access to education.
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Moreover, access to quality healthcare for citizens is compulsory. In a continuation efforts by his administration, Governor Radda is making silent moves in this area. His recent trip to Submed Company in Istanbul, Turkey signifies a commitment to enhancing medical sector for quality equipment and better healthcare services in the state.
The recent engagement and collaborations with international donor agency, partners such as UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank, MSF, Save the Children International and others, are all part of the plans on perfecting and improving healthcare delivery and services within the state.
In conclusion, while acknowledging various achievements and initiatives across many sectors in the state, we urge the government to maintain this steadfast gesture and continue to do more for the good people of the state. As the journey continues, we look forward to more programs, policies and initiative aimed at improving the quality of our lives under stewardship of Governor Radda. It’s therefore, a responsibility upon us, to give more support to this administration to do more!
May Allah (SWA) guide His Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda and his entire administration, to perform beyond our expectations. Ameen.
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