The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has vowed his administration’s commitment to enhance security measures and promote agricultural development in the state.

The governor made this known late Sunday when he hosted the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, at the Government House, Katsina.

During the visit, Radda appealed to the COAS for continued support to the state, emphasising the importance of collaboration between the state government and the armed forces.

He said, “We assure the armed forces of our readiness to support their efforts in any way we can. I appreciate the cordial relationship championed by the military leadership and acknowledge the recent improvements made to the facilities at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport.”

The governor further highlighted the state’s multifaceted approach to addressing the root causes of banditry.

“I recognise that unemployment, illiteracy and a lack of livelihood opportunities are major contributors to the security challenges we face,” Radda explained, adding that with approximately 90 per cent of the state’s population engaged in agriculture, the state government has prioritised investment in the sector.

“Last week, we deployed about N30 billion to purchase equipment for mechanised farming,” Radda said, as he noted that the state government had procured and distributed more fertilisers than any other state in Nigeria.

He also disclosed plans to distribute over 4,000 solar-powered irrigation pumps, particularly targeting youth engagement in agriculture.

"This initiative will not only enhance food security but also provide sustainable livelihoods for our young people,” the governor affirmed.

Addressing the security situation in the state,  Radda stated, “The Katsina State Security Watch has been instrumental in this effort, leading to the arrest of over 1,000 informants.

“We are actively engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads to identify and eliminate suspicious elements within our communities.”

Responding, the COAS commended the state government’s efforts in enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing mechanisms, saying, “The priority given to security in the past year has fostered a more conducive environment for sustained socioeconomic growth and development of the state.

“I appreciate the governor for his commitment towards lasting peace in the State, especially in his efforts at establishing the Katsina Community Watch Corps.”

The COAS further assured the governor of his desire to deploy more Special Forces troops to the NAF QRWs in the Katsina, Daura and Funtua parts of the state, which are strategically located to complement efforts to the armed forces and other security agencies.

He also expressed his condolences to the government and the good people of Katsina State over the recent demise of Late Dada Yar’adua, mother of former President Umaru Yar’adua.

Culled from PUNCH