*Calls for the quick completion of the ALGON secretariat
*Tackles Katsina power challenges
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with four strategic development partners to establish a comprehensive 50-hectare demonstration farm at the Sabke irrigation site in Maiadua Local Government Area.
Governor Radda said the project demonstrated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s passion for the Katsina people.
The landmark partnership brought together the National Agriculture Development Fund, Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRDA), and Morocco-based agricultural development experts, OCP Africa.
The high-profile delegation was led to the State Government House by Alhaji Sada Soli Jibia, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Water Resources, representing Jibia-Kaita Federal Constituency.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Governor Radda expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government for selecting Katsina State as the pilot location for the innovative programme.
“This project demonstrates the passion President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has for the people of Katsina State,” Governor Radda declared.
The Governor also emphasised that the project was conceived to develop critical infrastructure and maximise the utilisation of existing facilities at the site through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund.
Governor Radda noted that while Sabke Dam stands as the only site selected for the pioneering initiative, the state government remained fully committed to fulfilling all obligations outlined in the MoU.
“We are confident that our partners will equally deliver on their commitments, enabling us to achieve tangible results by next year and scale up operations after the rainy season,” Governor Radda assured the stakeholders.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring year-round agricultural activities at the site, explaining that, “this approach will keep farmers productively engaged while optimising the substantial resources invested in establishing the Dam, which has remained underutilised for an extended period.”
In his remarks, Alhaji Sada Soli Jibia praised the quality of partners involved in the initiative, expressing confidence in the project’s success.
“We will not allow this pilot program to fail, given the exceptional capacity of the partners involved,” he stated.
The federal legislator revealed exciting expansion possibilities, noting that if the programme succeeds, Katsina State has additional sites, including Jibia, Zobe, and Dallaje Dams, where similar irrigation activities can be implemented.
Alhaji Muntaka Badaru Jikamshi, Executive Director of Irrigation Services at SRRBDA, described Sabke Dam as one of the Authority’s most important assets, taken over from the Federal Government in 2018.
He acknowledged that the Dam’s facilities had not been properly utilised previously, but expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, in partnership with the National Agriculture Development Fund and other stakeholders, will transform the situation.
“The Authority has donated 50 hectares of land for this project development and food security initiative,” Jikamshi announced.
On his part, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of the National Agriculture Development Fund, revealed that his team had previously visited Katsina State on March 18th, where Governor Radda personally conducted them round the Sabke Dam site for comprehensive feasibility studies as part of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund oversight.
He explained that the visit aimed to assess SRRBDA projects generally and explore optimisation opportunities for agricultural development. Ibrahim commended Governor Radda for providing extension and mechanisation services to support the project’s implementation.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Radda, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, hinted that: “This historic agreement is a milestone in Governor Radda’s Building Your Future’ agricultural transformation agenda and demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable development.”
Present at the event was the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Dutsin Ma, among others.
Governor Radda calls for the quick completion of the ALGON secretariat.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, on Wednesday, paid a working visit to the ALGON Secretariat in Katsina, calling for the quick completion of the project under construction.
He was warmly received by key officials of ALGON and expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the facility.
The Secretariat, which is named in honour of Governor Radda for his notable contributions to the development of local government administration in Katsina State, carries deep personal meaning for him.
During the visit, he described the soon-to-be-commissioned building as a “legacy project” of the Katsina state ALGON chapter and said he looked forward to its formal commissioning.
“This Secretariat stands as a symbol of years of hard work toward strengthening grassroots governance. I am honoured by the gesture of naming it after me, and I commend the ALGON leadership for driving this vision to reality,” Governor Radda said.
He also highlighted the importance of such institutions in enhancing public service delivery, accountability, and community development across the state’s local councils.
Governor Radda was received at the Secretariat by the National President of ALGON and Chairman of Kaita Local Government, Hon. Engr. Bello Lawal, the ALGON Chairman in Katsina State and Chairman of Danja Local Government, Hon. Rabo Tambaya, and the ALGON State Secretary, Hon Isah Miqdad Ad Saude.
Governor Radda tackles Katsina power challenges
Katsina state Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has promised to tackle Katsina power challenges through the revival of the windmill projects, bold energy reforms.
Governor Radda disclosed major strides his administration is making to improve power supply in the state—especially for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—in line with the recent devolution of electricity regulation to sub-national governments.
Speaking during an interview on Sunrise Daily, Channels Television’s flagship breakfast programme, Governor Radda addressed the lingering challenge of power access in Nigeria, emphasizing that affordable and consistent electricity is central to MSME growth and sustainable economic development.
“Yes, we’re making significant progress
We’ve developed mini-grid systems powered by renewable energy, and we’re set to launch them in selected communities and institutions,” he said.
He explained that his government had identified 12 major public institutions in Katsina that currently account for almost 95% of the state’s energy expenditure. To drastically cut costs, these institutions will be transitioned off the national grid and powered through stand-alone, renewable sources.
In addition, the Governor revealed that Katsina State is building a special economic zone with plans to provide uninterrupted, 24/7 power supply using solar technology.
“We’ve already signed an MoU, and solar installations are about to commence
The economic zone will not only guarantee electricity for MSMEs but will also house a one-stop regulatory center to ease business operations,” he added.
On the long-abandoned Katsina windmill project—initiated over a decade ago during the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Governor Radda announced a breakthrough.
He revealed that following a formal request, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the handover of the project to the Katsina State Government.
“We are finalizing documentation with the Federal Ministry of Power. Although the original design targeted 10 megawatts, technical assessments show it may produce only 5 to 6 megawatts. To bridge the gap, we’re adding a 10-megawatt solar component—bringing the combined output to about 12 to 14 megawatts,” he added.
He further stated that negotiations are ongoing with the original French developers based in Paris, and work will commence immediately after the handover process is complete.
The Governor further revealed new initiatives to harness hydro power, beginning with the Danja Dam, where a 2-megawatt hydro plant will be developed to provide power for local farming communities.
“We’re also in discussion with potential investors and the French government to explore more hydro power opportunities,” he added.
Governor Radda emphasized that access to reliable energy remains a top priority of his administration, not just for economic growth, but also for transforming public institutions and uplifting the lives of ordinary citizens.
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