Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has joined the global community in commemorating World Statistics Day 2025, reiterating his administration’s strong commitment to data-based governance, transparency, and sustainable development.
This year’s theme, “Driving Change with Quality Statistics and Data for Everyone,” aligns with Governor Radda’s vision of using credible data to guide planning, policy formulation, and decision-making across all sectors of governance.
Describing statistics as “the new currency of development,” Radda stated that Katsina now plans with facts, not assumptions.
“In Katsina, we don’t guess — we plan with facts,” he said. “Good data helps us track progress, identify gaps, and ensure no community is left behind.”
Under his leadership, several data-driven initiatives have been launched, including the Katsina State Data Portal, the Integrated Development and Statistical Framework (KSIDSF), the Statistical Master Plan (2025–2030), the Integrated System of Administrative Statistics (ISAS), and the Digital Monitoring and Evaluation Dashboard (D-MED).
Over 500 statistical officers have been trained and deployed across the 34 local government areas, while the Katsina Data for Development Initiative (KD4DI) has empowered more than 1,200 graduates in data analysis and digital literacy. The Community Data Mapping Survey — covering over 2,800 rural communities — now guides the 2025–2027 Medium-Term Development Plan.
Additionally, the state conducted a multidimensional poverty index (MPI) survey and developed the Katsina Statistical Yearbook, Economic Indicators Dashboard, and GIS mapping of state infrastructure. Data Desks for Women and Youth Affairs have also been established to promote inclusion and empowerment.
The Governor revealed that data generated from surveys has supported over 10,000 households and 30,000 children in addressing issues of food security, nutrition, and income through the AFNICS vulnerability assessment. Katsina was recently rated top in Subnational Climate Governance for maintaining comprehensive meteorological data from 1987 to 2024.
He further disclosed that over 3,000 final-year students in tertiary institutions have benefitted from the State’s “Bootcamp 1.0” capacity-building programme.
Governor Radda noted that data also plays a critical role in improving security and humanitarian coordination through the State Situation Room, which monitors incidents and relief efforts in real time.
He appreciated development partners including the World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, EU, Canada, Norway, and GAVI for supporting the state’s data revolution.
“Our goal is simple — we want statistics to tell the real stories of our people: farmers, traders, students, and entrepreneurs. With credible data, we can make decisions that truly change lives,” Radda said.
The Governor congratulated statisticians and researchers worldwide for their dedication to promoting credible data and evidence-based decision-making, describing their work as vital to sustainable growth.
“Progress begins with data,” Radda added, “but transformation comes when that data leads to action.”
As the world celebrates World Statistics Day 2025, Katsina stands out as a model of innovation, inclusion, and accountability in governance.
By: Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
20th October, 2025
