Katsina Times | August 28, 2025
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has restated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity while also strengthening traditional and religious institutions across the state.
The governor made the remarks at Government House, Katsina, during a meeting with royal fathers from the Katsina and Daura Emirates on Thursday.
Radda said security remains his government’s foremost priority, recalling his pledge at the onset of his tenure to make it his “first, second, and third agenda.” He disclosed that more than 1,500 youths have been trained to support security operations, with another 550 already trained and a third batch currently undergoing training.
“These youths are fully equipped with uniforms, life jackets, and operational tools, unlike in the past,” he said.
The governor cautioned that insecurity is not confined to forest hideouts but also involves collaborators within towns and cities who supply bandits with food, drugs, and markets for stolen cattle. He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify public enlightenment, noting that “security is a collective responsibility, not politics.”
As part of a new welfare package, Radda announced that all district heads in the state will henceforth earn salaries not less than Grade Level 16, under a new law passed by the State House of Assembly. He further approved monthly allowances for 6,652 ward heads, stipends for over 3,000 Imams and their deputies from Friday mosques, and allowances for Izala and Darika mosque sweepers across all 34 local government areas.
In addition, the governor revealed that his administration has set aside over ₦20 million for each local government council to renovate graveyards, describing the initiative as both community service and a means of seeking divine blessings for the state.
Representing the Emir of Daura, the Dan Buram of Daura and District Head of Baure, Alhaji Daha Umar Farouk, expressed the emirate’s solidarity following the recent car accident involving the governor. He conveyed the Emir’s prayers for Radda’s continued health and safety.
Similarly, the Emir of Katsina, represented by the Wazirin Katsina, Senator Ibrahim Ida, commended the governor for repositioning the emirates and restoring dignity to traditional institutions. He assured continued cooperation and prayers from the emirate councils to promote peace and unity in the state.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruq Lawal; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; district heads from the Katsina and Daura emirates, and members of the State Executive Council.
Hoto: Katsina state Government
