Vice President Kashim Shettima has hailed Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, for what he described as visionary leadership in driving innovation, enterprise, and youth empowerment across the state.
Speaking on Monday night at the Government House Banquet Hall, Katsina, during the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the *Dikko Social Innovation Academy (DSIA)* and the maiden edition of the Katsina MSME Awards and Dinner, Shettima said Katsina is fast becoming “a beacon of creativity and resilience in Northern Nigeria.”
He noted that the state is reviving its historic legacy of learning, trade, and craftsmanship, recalling Katsina’s early contributions to scholarship and governance, including Sheikh Mohammed Bello’s *Usul Siyasa* written for the Emir of Katsina long before colonial rule.
“Katsina has always been a centre of knowledge, leadership, and enterprise,” Shettima said, calling for renewed industrialisation efforts to convert local raw materials such as cotton and millet into industries that can drive job creation and inclusive growth.
The Vice President commended Governor Radda’s creation of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), describing it as a model for sustainable MSME development that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also lauded Radda’s efforts in fostering unity among political and traditional leaders, saying, “We have no business fighting each other — we must unite to confront insecurity and poverty.”
In a lighter tone, Shettima quipped, “I must say, the Governor resembles me more than anyone else in this room,” drawing laughter from the audience.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Katsina for their hospitality, describing the state as “home — a land of history, unity, and great promise.”
Governor Radda, in his remarks, said his administration’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship is transforming the lives of young people across the state.
“When we came into office, we made a deliberate decision to empower people through enterprise and innovation,” he said. “That decision gave birth to KASEDA — which today stands as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant enterprise institutions.”
He commended the Director-General of KASEDA, Hajiya Aisha Aminu, for her leadership and for developing a five-year strategic plan aligned with the state’s economic blueprint.
Radda described the Dikko Social Innovation Academy (DSIA) as one of the state’s most impactful initiatives, designed to equip young people from underserved communities with skills in social entrepreneurship, design thinking, and problem-solving.
The Governor disclosed that the first cohort of 18 fellows had completed six months of intensive training and emerged as innovators and community leaders. He encouraged the Vice President to consider adopting the DSIA model at the national level.
“To our graduating fellows — you are the pioneers of a new generation of changemakers,” Radda said. “Success may not come easily, but with discipline, hard work, and faith, you will go far.”
He also unveiled the Katsina MSME Awards to celebrate excellence and innovation among entrepreneurs, announcing a car gift for the overall best awardee and urging private sector partners to support future editions.
Radda further highlighted the disbursement of ₦500 million to youth and women entrepreneurs and a ₦542 million UNDP partnership supporting MSMEs in conflict-affected areas. He said the ongoing MSME Census and Cluster Mapping Project will improve data-driven planning and coordination.
Earlier, Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe described the event as “historic,” while Hajiya Aisha Aminu said KASEDA has achieved major milestones under Radda’s leadership. She revealed that the DSIA’s second cohort currently has 30 fellows, with a third to commence in January 2026.
The event attracted a high-profile audience including Vice President Shettima; former Governors Aminu Bello Masari and Ibrahim Shehu Shema; Ministers Ahmed Dangiwa and Hanatu Musawa; Senator Muntari Dandutse; Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; and top officials from federal and state levels, development partners, and industry leaders.
