GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KATSINA
PRESS RELEASE
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has described the public presentation of the book ‘From Cradle to Saddle’ as a celebration of visionary leadership, sacrifice, institutional development and enterprise growth in Nigeria.
Governor Radda made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the public presentation of the book authored by former Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr. Olawale Fasanya.
Represented by the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, the Governor said the occasion was not merely the launch of a book but a reflection on the journey of enterprise development in Nigeria and the role of strong institutions in driving economic growth.
Governor Radda noted that his relationship with Dr. Fasanya dates back to their years together at SMEDAN, where he witnessed firsthand the author's commitment, discipline, loyalty and passion for the development of Nigeria's small business sector.
According to the Governor, Dr. Fasanya distinguished himself through an uncommon sense of responsibility, professionalism and dedication to service, qualities that earned him increasing leadership responsibilities within the agency.
"Leadership is not merely about occupying positions; it is about preparing institutions to outlive individuals. One of the greatest tests of leadership is succession. When I left SMEDAN to pursue my governorship ambition in Katsina State, I recommended Dr. Fasanya to succeed me as Director-General because I had absolute confidence in his competence, integrity and commitment to the MSME sector," Governor Radda stated.
The Governor expressed gratitude to former President, Muhammadu Buhari, for approving the recommendation, noting that subsequent events have justified the decision.
He described ‘From Cradle to Saddle’ as more than a personal memoir, saying the publication serves as a valuable record of institutional history, policy evolution, leadership experiences and lessons in enterprise development.
Governor Radda emphasized the importance of documentation and knowledge transfer in strengthening public institutions, stressing that future policymakers, entrepreneurs, development practitioners and scholars would benefit immensely from the insights contained in the book.
He reiterated that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) remain critical to job creation, poverty reduction, innovation, wealth creation and inclusive economic growth, adding that governments must continue to strengthen institutions that support enterprise development.
The Governor further highlighted his administration's commitment to entrepreneurship and economic inclusion through the establishment of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency, which was created shortly after he assumed office.
He acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Fasanya to the successes recorded by KASEDA within its first two years of operation and commended him for his enduring service to national development.
Governor Radda urged Nigerians to not only celebrate the publication but also study its lessons and embrace the values of dedication, integrity and purposeful leadership that it represents.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Fasanya revealed that he resigned from a lucrative position at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), where he earned significantly higher remuneration, to join SMEDAN because of his desire to make meaningful contributions to national development and create lasting impact.
The author explained that his decision was driven by personal fulfilment and the opportunity to contribute to institution-building rather than financial considerations, noting that he was among the pioneer staff members of SMEDAN and later rose to become its Director-General.
The event attracted government officials, development experts, entrepreneurs, policymakers, members of the private sector and other distinguished guests from across the country.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
05 June, 2026
