Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots agricultural transformation as he officially flagged off the distribution of irrigation equipment and farm inputs to farmers across the state.
The event, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Katsina, was organized under the Katsina State Community Development Programme (CDP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Katsina State Irrigation Authority.
In his address, Governor Radda described the occasion as a continuation of his administration’s vision to empower rural communities and strengthen agriculture as the foundation of Katsina’s economy. “Today’s event is not merely a distribution exercise,” the Governor said. “It is a reflection of our collective commitment to improving the lives of our people, especially our hardworking farmers whose efforts put food on our tables every day.”
Governor Radda explained that the items being distributed, including 4,000 irrigation water pumps, 4,000 knapsack sprayers, herbicides, and liquid fertilizers, are part of a deliberate effort to make farming more productive and profitable while ensuring food security in Katsina State. He noted that the Community Development Programme was created to bring governance closer to the grassroots, allowing communities to identify their needs and drive their own progress.
“When I assumed office, I made a promise that government would no longer sit in comfort while our people struggle in silence. That promise gave birth to the CDP — a structure that allows government to listen directly to the people and respond to their real needs,” Radda stated.
The Governor directed the CDP to handle logistics, monitoring, and accountability to ensure transparency in the distribution process. He also instructed the Katsina State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA) to deploy agricultural extension officers to educate farmers on the correct use of the equipment.
“These tools belong to our farmers, but more importantly, they belong to the future of Katsina State. Use them wisely to improve your productivity and lift your families out of hardship,” he advised.
Governor Radda commended the Ministry of Agriculture, KTARDA, the CDP teams, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and development partners for supporting the initiative.
Earlier in his remarks, the Coordinator of the Community Development Programme, Dr. Kamal, highlighted the wide impact of the CDP since its launch. “From November last year to date, there is hardly any community in Katsina that has not felt the impact of the CDP,” he said. “Through numerous initiatives, we have distributed fertilizers at polling units, provided ₦50,000 financial support to widows and vulnerable women through the KT-Cares initiative, and supported smallholder farmers to boost their productivity.”
Dr. Kamal noted that during the Ramadan period, the CDP reached thousands of families with food items through community committees, demonstrating the programme’s ongoing commitment to empowering verified irrigation farmers with modern tools.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Aliyu Lawal Shargalle, thanked Almighty Allah for blessing Katsina with a leader who values agriculture deeply. He urged beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment, stressing that they are not for sale but meant to improve farming practices and promote food security. “This initiative will enhance irrigation farming, promote sustainable food production, and strengthen our state’s agricultural base,” he said.
The Managing Director of the Katsina State Irrigation Authority, Engr. Salim Suleiman, described the event as historic and transformative for Katsina’s agricultural sector. “These materials are not for sale. They are meant to transform our farms and enhance productivity. If used properly, they will uplift our communities and improve our economy,” he stated. He expressed gratitude to the Governor for his continuous support to farmers and his dedication to sustainable agricultural development.
Speaking on behalf of the 34 local government chairmen, Hon. Rabo Tambaya, Deputy ALGON Chairman, commended Governor Radda’s leadership and the CDP’s role in advancing rural development. “This empowerment programme is another milestone in the history of agriculture in Katsina. Through the CDP, His Excellency has brought governance and development closer to the people. These unprecedented initiatives — from fertilizer distribution to direct cash support for widows and farmers, and now today’s distribution of irrigation farming materials to 4,000 beneficiaries — have never been witnessed in Nigeria’s history,” Tambaya stated.
He reaffirmed ALGON’s commitment to supporting the Governor’s agricultural revolution, emphasizing that the initiative would strengthen rural livelihoods, reduce poverty, and ensure sustainable food security across the state. “We stand firmly behind Your Excellency. With your foresight and people-centered leadership, Katsina State will continue to grow stronger, Insha Allah,” he added.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Katsina Local Government Chairman, Hon. Isah Miqdad, among others.
