Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, for his visionary leadership and commitment to promoting innovation, enterprise, and youth empowerment. 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, Shettima described Katsina as “a beacon of creativity and resilience in Northern Nigeria.”
The Vice President noted that Katsina is steadily reviving its long-standing legacy of learning, trade, and craftsmanship, adding that the state has always been a centre of knowledge and culture that has shaped Northern Nigeria for generations. “Katsina has always been a hub for scholars, rulers, and traders,” Shettima said, recalling that Sheikh Mohammed Bello wrote Usul Siyasa for the Emir of Katsina long before colonial times as a major guide on governance.
He also referenced the famous Katsina College, later known as Barewa College, which produced some of Nigeria’s finest leaders. According to him, that same creative spirit continues to define the people of Katsina, its artisans, farmers, and young entrepreneurs who keep demonstrating remarkable resilience.
Shettima called for renewed efforts in industrialization by converting local raw materials such as cotton and millet into industries that create jobs and promote inclusive economic growth. He commended Governor Radda for strengthening the state’s MSME ecosystem through the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), describing it as a model that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Vice President emphasized the importance of unity among political and traditional leaders, stating, “We have no business fighting each other, we must unite to confront insecurity and poverty.” He further commended the people of Katsina for their warmth and hospitality, describing the state as “home, a land of history, unity, and great promise.”
With a light touch of humor, Shettima added, “I am proud of Katsina’s unity and progress, and I must say, the Governor resembles me more than anyone else in this room.”
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, in his remarks, reaffirmed his administration’s focus on enterprise, innovation, and youth empowerment as the foundation of Katsina’s economic transformation. He described the event as “a celebration of innovation, resilience, and progress toward a more prosperous future.”
“When we came into office, we made a deliberate decision to empower people through enterprise and innovation,” the Governor said. “That decision gave birth to KASEDA, which today stands as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant enterprise institutions.”
Radda commended the Director-General of KASEDA, Hajiya Aisha Aminu, for her outstanding leadership and described her as “one of the brightest examples of female public service in Nigeria today.” He explained that under her leadership, KASEDA developed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan that aligns with the state’s economic blueprint.
The Governor highlighted the Dikko Social Innovation Academy (DSIA) as one of Katsina’s most impactful projects, designed to equip young people from underserved communities with the practical skills needed to design and implement solutions to local challenges. He said the academy’s concept was inspired by a visit to Uganda, where three young people from Katsina studied the globally recognized Social Innovation Academy model.
“Today, I am proud to witness the graduation of our first cohort of 18 fellows who have completed six months of intensive training in social entrepreneurship, design thinking, and problem-solving,” Radda announced.
He expressed pride in the graduates, noting their growth throughout the programme. “Many began the programme with little confidence but are now leaving as innovators and community leaders,” he said. The Governor assured that future cohorts of the programme would be expanded to accommodate more participants.
Radda encouraged the Vice President to consider adopting the DSIA model nationally, describing it as “a powerful and scalable approach to youth empowerment.” He urged the graduating fellows to continue striving for excellence, saying, “To our graduating fellows, congratulations. You are the pioneers of a new generation of changemakers. Success may not come easily, but with discipline, hard work, and faith, you will go far. The state will continue to support you.”
The event brought together top government officials, business leaders, and policymakers. Notable dignitaries included the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Faskari; the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arch. Ahmed Dangiwa; Senator Muntari Dandutse representing Funtua Zone; and the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa.
Others in attendance were former Governors Aminu Bello Masari and Ibrahim Shehu Shema; former Borno State Governor, Col. Abdulmumini Aminu (rtd); Members of the House of Representatives including Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed (Musawa/Matazu), Hon. Aminu Balele Kurfi (Dutsinma/Kurfi), Hon. Usman Banye (Batagarawa/Charanchi/Rimi), Hon. Sada Soli (Kaita/Jibia), and Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri (Mashi/Dutsi).
Also present were the National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD, Jabiru Salisu Tsauri; the National Director-General of SMEDAN, Dr. Charles Odii; Members of the National and State Assemblies; members of the State Executive Council; representatives of the Katsina and Daura Emirates; representatives of development partners; heads of MDAs; captains of industry; and entrepreneurs from across the state.