President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian governors to remain focused on delivering meaningful development to their people, regardless of criticism from what he described as “armchair critics.”
Speaking during a two-day working visit to Katsina State, the president emphasised that visible achievements and measurable results are the true indicators of effective leadership.
“Let the people be at the heart of your programmes. Your hard work and concrete achievements will answer any criticism. Ignore distractions — your results will speak for you,” Tinubu stated during the commissioning of major infrastructure projects.
The President commissioned the 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass Road, completed within 18 months by Governor Dikko Radda. The road runs from Dutsin-ma Road through Kano and Daura Roads, ending at Yandaki in the Kaita Local Government Area.
He also inaugurated the Katsina Agricultural Mechanised Centre, a flagship project to boost farming in the state.
President Tinubu commended Governor Radda’s performance across key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, noting that significant progress had been made in less than two years.
Banditry, Poverty Threats
The president acknowledged the challenges posed by terrorism and banditry in the region but praised the governor’s courage and resilience.
“We have decided for peace and stability. I know you face terrorism and banditry attacks in the state, but you have shown determination and courage to move Katsina State forward. You will not walk alone. The Federal Government will be with you,” he assured.
Tinubu stressed that hunger and poverty remain the most pressing threats to national peace and stability, affirming his administration’s commitment to food security and agricultural empowerment.
“The economy is sailing in the right trajectory. We are witnessing an effort to banish hunger. Small and large-scale farming will be encouraged. Once we liberate ourselves from hunger, we will appreciate peace and harmony,” he said.
He added that agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s future and called for the adoption of modern farming methods and better water management systems.
“The old style of agriculture is gone. We must invest in mechanisation and water management. Agriculture is the heart of our progress and must be for all,” he declared.
As part of this push, President Tinubu announced the revitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture, which will be restructured to support farmers across the country better.
“The Bank of Agriculture is being revitalised. When resuscitated, the bank will make funds available for large, medium and small-scale farming,” he said.
He also called on other governors to emulate the agricultural reforms in Katsina.
“You have introduced a great, progressive movement in Katsina State by just tilling the land and putting it to use. Farming will be our source of prosperity and growth. We must remove ourselves from reliance on oil and commit to agriculture,” Tinubu said.
The president thanked former governors Ibrahim Shema and Aminu Bello Masari and other political stakeholders in Katsina for their support and contributions to the state’s development.
“Thank you for the great honour you have given me. Your coming to the airport to receive me made me feel so welcome. I am your son, and I am one of you. This is homecoming, and Katsina is home — home to progress, development, and freedom for good,” he added.
Mechanised Centre
In his remarks, Governor Radda revealed that the Katsina Agricultural Mechanised Centre would serve all 34 local government areas of the state.
He disclosed that 400 tractors were procured through a ₦25 billion Federal Government intervention and the distribution of 4,000 water pumping machines to improve irrigation.
Radda also noted that 448,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser were distributed last year, with another 400,000 metric tonnes scheduled for this year. In addition, 160 kilometres of roads had been constructed or rehabilitated, and there have been ongoing improvements in power, water supply, and healthcare delivery.
Governors from Borno, Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, and Jigawa States attended the event. Former governors Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema were also present, alongside federal ministers responsible for culture, solid minerals, and agriculture.
