Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has handed N102 million in starter packs to 102 graduates of the revived Songhai Comprehensive Centre, marking what he described as a new milestone in his agricultural transformation agenda.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of Muhammadu Buhari House, Governor Radda described the event as “a turning point in the history of agriculture in Katsina State.” Each of the 102 graduates, three from every one of the 34 local government areas, received N1 million as seed capital. This marked a significant rise from the initial N300,000 package earlier offered under the program.
The graduates, who successfully completed six months of intensive training, specialized in poultry, fishery, crop production, soil science, livestock management, market gardening, and biogas technology. Governor Radda emphasized that his administration has been deliberate in advancing policies that provide young people with opportunities to build sustainable businesses and strengthen the local economy.
“This is not just financial support. It is the seed capital. If you use it wisely and manage it with discipline, it will grow, create jobs, and transform communities,” he told the trainees.
The Governor highlighted that over 19,000 farmers have already benefited directly from agricultural inputs and assets distributed under his government’s farming support programs. He pointed to several reforms, including the 2023 dry season farming scheme, which distributed free improved seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and 8,000 solar-powered irrigation machines to farmers across the state.
“In 2024, the government trained and deployed 722 agricultural extension workers to all 361 wards, each equipped with motorcycles and tools to support grassroots farmers,” Radda explained.
He further listed the state’s mechanization initiatives, which supplied 4,000 power tillers, 4,000 solar irrigation pumps, 400 tractors, 1,000 planters, and 10 combine harvesters. He noted that the distribution of 20,000 metric tons of fertilizer at a subsidized price of N20,000 per bag, alongside improved seeds and agrochemicals at 50 percent subsidy, was “the first of its kind by any Nigerian state.”
Women and medium-scale farmers also received attention through the goat multiplication program. According to the Governor, 3,610 women were given four goats each, while 361 medium-scale farmers were supported with 50 goats each.
Governor Radda announced that the next batch of Songhai training would expand to 361 participants, one from each ward of Katsina State, to ensure greater grassroots involvement. “I have seen your commitment and sacrifice. Some of you even left your families and children to complete this training. That gives me hope for the future of our state,” he said.
He reiterated that his agricultural vision is to move Katsina from subsistence farming to a more commercial, competitive system that generates jobs and wealth. “Together, we are moving our youth from the streets to the farms, from unemployment to enterprise, from dependency to dignity,” Radda declared.
The Governor also revealed plans to develop rural farm settlements that would come with schools, health centers, veterinary clinics, housing, and hostels to create modern farming communities. He added that cotton production had been revived with improved seeds and value chain strengthening to restore its economic relevance.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Ahmed Bakori, described the graduation ceremony as more than a celebration of training completion. “This is not just the completion of a training program, but the beginning of a new chapter in the journey of agricultural transformation in Katsina State,” he said.
He commended the trainees for their dedication and the Governor for focusing on youth empowerment. “These trainees represent the future of our agricultural sector. They are now ready to transform challenges into opportunities and contribute meaningfully to food security, job creation, and the economic prosperity of our state,” Bakori noted.
He stressed that Katsina was not only producing graduates but also role models, entrepreneurs, and nation-builders who would shape agriculture’s future.
In a goodwill message, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, represented by the Majority Leader Hon. Shamsudeen Abubakar Dabai, encouraged the graduates to make the best use of the knowledge and skills gained. Similarly, Rabo Tambaya, Chairman of Danja and Katsina ALGON Deputy Chairman, pledged support from all 34 local government chairmen, urging the beneficiaries to apply their training to benefit their communities.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Umar Mukhtar assured the government of their commitment to improving food production, generating employment, and driving progress across Katsina State.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, Principal Private Secretary Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs Usman Abba Jaye, and other government officials. Hundreds of trainees and community members also witnessed the event.
