President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to ensuring food security and prioritising the agricultural sector for the collective benefit of Nigerians.
Speaking during a two-day working visit to Katsina State, where he commissioned a newly completed 24km road delivered by Governor Dikko Umar Radda within 18 months, the President outlined key agricultural initiatives.
At the launch of the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre, President Tinubu highlighted plans to modernise the sector through mechanisation and improved water management.
He also pledged to overhaul the Bank of Agriculture to better serve farmers across all scales.
“Agriculture remains central to our national development,” he said. “We are focused on achieving food security by investing in modern farming techniques. The outdated methods must be replaced. Mechanisation and water management are crucial.”
He further noted that the Bank of Agriculture will be overhauled and repositioned to provide accessible funding for small, medium, and large-scale farmers, ensuring enhanced productivity across the sector.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic direction, while recognising that hunger and poverty remain significant threats to national peace and stability.
“The economy is on the right path,” he said. “We are witnessing deliberate efforts to eradicate hunger, ensure food security, and empower citizens. Both small- and large-scale agriculture will be actively supported. Once we overcome hunger, we will truly value peace and stability.”
He applauded Governor Dikko Umar Radda for making tangible progress in agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure in under two years of his administration.
“I have reviewed your performance, and it’s no small feat,” Tinubu stated. “In just half of your tenure, you’ve demonstrated exceptional dedication to governance. Your commitment, honesty, and patriotism are evident—you are a true progressive.”
He further commended the governor’s initiative in maximising land use to drive agricultural productivity, describing it as a foundation for economic growth and prosperity in Katsina State.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the election period, President Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of former Governors Ibrahim Shema, Aminu Bello Masari—whom he called a bridge builder—and Ibrahim Masari, for their roles in fostering unity and supporting the current administration.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the people of Katsina State for electing Governor Dikko Umar Radda, describing it as a wise decision that continues to benefit both the state and the nation.
“I congratulate the people of Katsina for making the right choice in Governor Radda. We’ve worked closely with him to advance the interests of the state and the country,” the President said.
He urged Nigerians to shift focus away from dependence on oil and embrace agriculture as a path to sustainable prosperity.
He praised the state’s mechanisation initiative, calling it a model worth emulating, and noted that the newly completed 24km Eastern Bypass stands as evidence of effective governance.
“We have committed ourselves to peace and stability. I’m aware of the security challenges posed by terrorism and banditry, but Katsina has shown resilience and a strong will to progress. The federal government will continue to support you—you are not alone,” he assured.
President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to past governors for their impactful leadership, and thanked the Katsina and Daura traditional councils for their enduring support of national unity and peace.
“I’m deeply honoured by the warm reception. Being welcomed at the airport made me feel truly at home. Katsina is not just a state—it’s my home, a place of growth, freedom, and progress,” he said.
The road commissioned, known as the Eastern Bypass, stretches from Dutsin-ma Road through Kano and Daura Roads, ending at Yandaki in Kaita Local Government Area.
According to a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu used the occasion to encourage governors nationwide to stay focused on delivering meaningful development and to ignore baseless criticism.
“The true test of leadership is seen in the positive and visible changes it brings. Put the people at the centre of your efforts. Let your achievements silence any distractions,” the President advised.
He further emphasised the importance of agriculture in national development and urged governors to prioritise it.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Radda highlighted that the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre will serve all 34 local government areas. He revealed that 400 tractors were procured through the federal government’s N25 billion support initiative.
He reported the construction and rehabilitation of 160km of roads, along with improvements in electricity, water supply, and healthcare. The Ministry of Agriculture, he added, had provided 4,000 pumping machines to boost irrigation farming.
He noted that 448,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser were distributed to farmers last year, and 400,000 metric tonnes are expected to be provided in 2025.
The event was attended by the governors of Borno, Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, and Jigawa states. Former governors Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema, along with the ministers of culture, solid minerals, and agriculture, were also present.
