During a working visit to Katsina State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged Nigerian state governors to remain steadfast in their mission to drive development, despite facing criticism from detractors.
Speaking while inaugurating key infrastructure and agricultural projects, the president advised that performance and results should serve as the ultimate response to public commentary.
“Keep the people at the centre of your work,” Tinubu said. “Your accomplishments will always speak louder than the noise. Don’t allow distractions to derail your goals.”
Among the projects commissioned was the 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass Road, which links several major routes and was delivered by Governor Dikko Radda in just 18 months. The road serves as a major transportation artery, easing movement across Dutsin-ma, Kano, Daura, and up to Yandaki in the Kaita LGA.
Tinubu also opened the Katsina Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, a key facility intended to modernise farming and boost productivity in the region. He praised Governor Radda for showing measurable progress across sectors including education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure within a short period.
Addressing the state’s ongoing security concerns, particularly terrorism and banditry, the president expressed solidarity and assured continued federal support.
“You have faced adversity with courage,” he told the governor. “The federal government stands behind you as we push for peace and stability.”
Emphasising the link between hunger, poverty, and national unrest, Tinubu reiterated the administration’s focus on strengthening food security and expanding agricultural capacity. He called for a nationwide shift towards modern farming practices, including mechanisation and effective water use.
“The old ways are no longer sustainable,” he noted. “We must modernise agriculture. It is the backbone of our nation’s future.”
He further announced that the Bank of Agriculture would undergo a major overhaul to provide better financial support for farmers at all levels.
As he wrapped up his remarks, Tinubu encouraged other states to take a cue from Katsina’s approach to agricultural reform, saying, “The land is our asset. By cultivating it wisely, we build prosperity beyond oil dependency.”
The president also expressed gratitude to former governors and local leaders for their hospitality and unity of purpose, calling Katsina a place of “progress, freedom, and homecoming.”
