Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to regional cooperation, security, social reform, and agricultural development. Governor Radda stated this while receiving a high-powered delegation of the Arewa Consultative Forum led by its Chairperson Mike Osuman, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, on a courtesy visit at Government House, Katsina.
During the visit, the ACF formally presented the governor with its emblematic pin, symbolizing unity, shared ideals, and collective commitment to the progress of Northern Nigeria. Mr Radda expressed appreciation for the ACF’s historic role in promoting unity and progress in the region.
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“I warmly welcome our revered elder statesmen and distinguished members of this great Forum. Our region faces grave challenges—insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, displacement of communities, out-of-school children, poverty, and malnutrition. While the government is working tirelessly, the guidance, wisdom, and prayers of our elders are equally indispensable,” the governor said.
He noted that the founding fathers of the ACF established the body to unite the North and provide direction for its development, stressing that their vision remains relevant amid current socio-economic and security challenges.
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Governor Radda emphasized that tackling poverty, malnutrition, and the crisis of out-of-school children requires addressing underlying social issues, including family responsibility and moral values.
“Children are a trust from Allah. Parents must take full responsibility for their education, welfare, and moral upbringing. Many of the social challenges we face today are rooted in the neglect of this sacred responsibility,” he stated.
The Governor observed that the North is under intense pressure from rapid population growth and limited resources, calling for collective action and regional cooperation.
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“The resources of our states are limited, yet the demands are enormous. This reality makes regional cooperation inevitable. The Arewa Consultative Forum, as a respected, non-partisan body, is well placed to help forge a common position among Northern states on critical social and economic reforms,” he added.
On the economy, Governor Radda described agriculture as the backbone of Northern Nigeria, warning that the region’s future depends on protecting and modernizing the sector.
“If we lose our strength in agriculture, we risk losing everything. That is why my administration is prioritising rural farming, agricultural value chains, and agro-based industries,” he said.
He disclosed that Katsina State is pursuing the establishment of a modern meat processing and livestock value chain system aimed at processing animals locally, creating jobs, and earning foreign exchange.
“We recently visited South Africa to study their meat processing and feedlot systems. The scale and value of their operations show what is possible for Northern Nigeria, given our vast livestock resources. Even a facility that processes a few hundred cattle daily can create thousands of jobs,” the governor explained.
He called on Northern states to identify and develop their comparative advantages in crops and livestock to create employment for the growing youth population, stressing that the counsel of the ACF would be crucial in building regional consensus.
Governor Radda assured the Forum of Katsina State Government’s readiness to cooperate and partner in all efforts aimed at promoting peace, unity, and socio-economic development.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Mr Osuman, commended the Katsina State Government for its efforts in tackling insecurity, rebuilding public confidence, and supporting victims of banditry and kidnapping.
The ACF Chairperson briefed the Governor on the recent 25th anniversary activities of the Forum and the establishment of the ACF Endowment Fund.
He urged sustained vigilance as the electoral season approaches, calling for strengthened community-based and intelligence-driven security measures to ensure peace and stability.
Stakeholders at the meeting include Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari; former Deputy Governor, Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi; the Head of Service, Falalu Bawale; the Chief of Staff, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Principal Private Secretary, Hon Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, the Wazirin Katsina, Senator Ibrahim Ida; former Minister, Dr Murtala Aliyu; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers; and senior members of the Arewa Consultative Forum.
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