On assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Dikko Umar Radda embarked on a transformative journey marked by strategic initiatives across various sectors. At the commencement of his term, the APC governor demonstrated a commitment to efficient governance by conducting a comprehensive workforce verification and signing into law of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) Bill. These actions aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the civil service by blocking financial leakages and ensuring compliance with fiscal instructions.

The governor also inaugurated a committee for the implementation of state and local government pensions and gratuities reforms that would ensure payment of pensions and gratuities to deserving retired civil servants.

Security became a focal point of his administration. He pioneered community-driven policing within five months of taking office. This innovative approach not only prioritized intelligence gathering but also aimed to build trust and cooperation between security agencies and local communities. Furthermore, a significant milestone was achieved through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UNDP, securing $13 million facility for the implementation of the North-West prevention and addressing the persistent issue of insecurity in the region.

Governor Radda’s commitment to combating banditry extended to concrete actions, including the approval of recruitment of 2,400 youths into the Community Watch Corps (CWC) and the training and equipping of 1,456 officers actively engaged in the fight against criminal activities. There was substantial financial backing — the governor approved the monthly release of N10 million to local government councils for running costs. Additionally, he approved the recruitment and training of 150 vigilante group members in each local government area, alongside the procurement of Toyota Hilux vans and motorcycles to fortify security in select council areas.

In the area of education, Governor Radda spearheaded a comprehensive school infrastructure development programme, reaffirming his commitment to quality education. Notably, he fulfilled promises to S-Power beneficiaries by granting permanent recruitment to 7,000 S-Power primary and secondary school teachers. The governor’s dedication to educational advancement was further evidenced by the approval of N2.7 billion for the construction of 75 secondary schools in collaboration with the World Bank project, AGILE.

He also approved the release of N112.5 million for the 2023 allowances of about 546 medical students, both home and abroad; indigent students received N640,648,566 bursary allowances.

In the healthcare sector, Governor Radda’s administration initiated the construction of a state-of-the-art dialysis centre in Gen. Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital, a groundbreaking endeavour that, when completed, will be the first of its kind in the northern part of Nigeria. This investment is poised to significantly enhance the state’s capacity to provide specialised medical services, particularly in the area of renal care.

Continuing the trajectory of positive change, Governor Radda has also demonstrated a strong commitment to agricultural and rural development, which materialised through key initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture. The immediate distribution of irrigation equipment by the State Emergency Management Agency to support farmers stands out. Also, collaborative efforts with Surwash to provide pipe-borne water to Batagrawa and Katsina local government areas underscored the administration’s dedication to improving living standards in rural communities.

In tandem with these efforts, the governor focused on enhancing transportation infrastructure, with ongoing road projects promising improved connectivity and economic growth. The upgrade of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport and the procurement of new buses for the Katsina State Transport Authority were crucial components of this initiative. 

Addressing infrastructure deficits head-on, Governor Radda’s administration invested in road rehabilitation, electricity and water provision. 

 On account of these numerous achievements and forward-thinking initiatives, Governor Umar Dikko Radda is deemed worthy of the Governor of the Year 2023 award.

Culled from Leadership Newspapers