Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting youth empowerment, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the state. He made this known while speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Dikko Social Innovation Academy (DSIA) and the maiden edition of the Katsina MSME Awards and Dinner held at the Government House Banquet Hall last night.
Governor Radda said Katsina remains proud of its rich heritage as a center of knowledge and culture that has shaped Northern Nigeria for generations. During the event, he unveiled the first-ever Katsina MSME Awards, an initiative designed to celebrate excellence and motivate young entrepreneurs to pursue success through creativity and integrity.
“This award is not just about recognition, it is about motivation,” the Governor said. “We want our youth to see that success is possible through creativity, integrity, and hard work.”
In a gesture of encouragement, Governor Radda announced a car gift for the overall best MSME awardee. He also called on private organizations and development partners to support future editions with sponsorships and prizes to sustain the momentum of innovation and enterprise.
The governor further stated, “Two years ago, we took a bold and visionary step by establishing the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), a deliberate initiative to accelerate MSME growth, drive job creation, and promote wealth generation. Today, that decision is yielding visible and inspiring results.”
“Through KASEDA, we have launched the N5bn MSME Development Fund, the first of its kind in the history of our state, with N500m already disbursed to youth and women entrepreneurs across various sectors. We are also strengthening strategic partnerships with the Bank of Industry, Sterling Bank, SMEDAN, and the UNDP, which recently committed N542m to support MSMEs in conflict-affected communities within Katsina State.”
Highlighting his administration’s efforts to strengthen small businesses, Radda mentioned the disbursement of ₦500 million to youth and women entrepreneurs across the state, along with a ₦542 million partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) targeted at supporting MSMEs in conflict-affected areas.
He also spoke on the ongoing MSME Census and Cluster Mapping Project, which aims to improve business planning and coordination. According to him, the creation of the Dikko Business Development Service Corps is another strategic step toward helping entrepreneurs access finance and grow sustainably.
Governor Radda expressed appreciation to Vice President Kashim Shettima, who attended the ceremony, for his unwavering support for MSME development. “Your Excellency, you have shown once again that you are a true champion of MSMEs in Nigeria,” he said.
In a light-hearted remark, the Governor added, “The people of Katsina and our Kanuri brothers and sisters from Maiduguri share a long history of friendship and mutual teasing. We often say, ‘When a Kanuri man promises, he does not just keep the word, he multiplies it.’ Your Excellency, you have once again lived up to that reputation!”
Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s continued investment in training, innovation, and access to finance as part of a broader plan to boost productivity across key sectors. “Tonight is about progress, partnership, and purpose. Together, we are making Katsina the home of enterprise and innovation,” he concluded.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, described the event as historic and a reflection of the state government’s vision to empower youth through entrepreneurship. He commended Vice President Shettima for his consistent support under the Renewed Hope Agenda and praised Governor Radda for establishing the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), which birthed the DSIA and other impactful programs.
He said KASEDA has become a model for promoting innovation and sustainable enterprise growth in Northern Nigeria.
In her remarks, the Director-General of KASEDA, Hajiya Aisha Aminu, described the occasion as “a celebration of innovation and impact.” She noted that KASEDA recently marked its second anniversary, achieving significant milestones through the vision and leadership of Governor Radda.
According to her, the DSIA was modeled after Uganda’s SINA network and has successfully trained 18 fellows who developed nine innovation projects in health, climate, and agriculture. “The second cohort currently has 30 fellows, and the third will commence in January 2026,” she said.
Hajiya Aisha further explained that the MSME Awards received over 2,000 entries, from which 21 winners and five special recognition awardees emerged through a transparent selection process conducted by an independent jury.
She thanked Governor Radda and Vice President Shettima for their unwavering support and assured that KASEDA will continue to promote MSME growth, youth empowerment, and social innovation across Katsina State.
The event attracted top dignitaries including the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Faskari; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arch. Ahmed Dangiwa; and Senator Muntari Dandutse representing Funtua Zone.
Also present were the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa; former Governors Aminu Bello Masari and Ibrahim Shehu Shema; former Borno State Governor, Col. Abdulmumini Aminu (rtd); and several members of the House of Representatives including Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, Hon. Aminu Balele Kurfi, Hon. Usman Banye, Hon. Sada Soli, and Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri.
Other attendees included the National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD, Jabiru Salisu Tsauri; the Director-General of SMEDAN, Dr. Charles Odii; members of the National and State Assemblies; State Executive Council members; representatives of Katsina and Daura Emirates; development partners; industry leaders; and entrepreneurs from across the state.
(News updated)