Flags Off Coordinated Prayers with Ulamas, Imams, Traditional Leaders, and Faith-Based Stakeholders
Katsina state Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda today flagged off a statewide initiative on Planned Coordinated Prayers. The session brought together key stakeholders, including Ulamas, Jumaat Imams, traditional rulers, and representatives of faith-based organizations from across Katsina State.
The events, which united religious scholars, community leaders, and government officials, sought divine intervention and reinforced collective commitment in confronting the security challenges facing the state.
In his keynote address, Governor Radda began with special prayers for those who lost their lives to insecurity and for the recovery of the injured. He stressed that insecurity recognizes no tribe, religion, or political party and therefore requires unity, patience, and wisdom to overcome.
“Bandits do not ask whether you belong to AC, APC, PDP, or any other group. This is why we must come together as one united people, with patience, wisdom, and collective resolve. Violence cannot solve what dialogue, understanding, and cooperation should address,” the Governor said.
He highlighted several measures already taken by his administration, including the recruitment and equipping of youths from frontline communities to support the Army, Police, and other security agencies. He further cited the commissioning of eight armoured vehicles and the procurement of 700 motorcycles to enhance security operations across difficult terrains.
Governor Radda also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to humanitarian support:
“Whenever a person is kidnapped in Katsina State, once we receive credible information, the government immediately provides humanitarian support to the family. And when victims are taken to hospitals, the Katsina State Government covers their treatment expenses.”
The Governor cautioned against moral decay in society, noting disturbing incidents of violence and betrayal, and urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to instill discipline and compassion in children. He further called on scholars to continue guiding their communities with courage and truth.
“By God, I am not addressing insecurity because I expect re-election. No. I am doing it because of the responsibility Allah has placed on me—to protect lives and property. And God is our witness,” he declared.
In his goodwill message, Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe emphasized the significance of prayer for peace and acknowledged the Governor’s strides in strengthening security while reviving agriculture and livestock—sectors heavily affected by insecurity.
He recalled that last year, fertilizers worth over ₦21 billion were purchased and distributed across the state’s 6,062 polling units—an intervention he described as unprecedented in Nigeria. He also highlighted the government’s food distribution during Ramadan and upcoming plans to sell subsidized food this year to cushion economic hardship.
“But government alone cannot solve this problem. We must also rebuild trust among ourselves. If parents, teachers, neighbors, and businesspeople live without honesty and trust, insecurity will continue to grow,” the Deputy Governor said.
The Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Sani Zangon Daura, expressed gratitude to Allah and to the people of Katsina for their prayers and support. He commended religious leaders, parents, and elders for their constant intercession for peace.
He urged stakeholders to combine prayers with action, stressing fear of God, honesty, patience, kindness, and zakat as values that strengthen unity and attract divine blessings. He also praised Governor Radda’s dedication to restoring peace in the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Isiyaku Dabai, explained that the coordinated prayer initiative was designed to seek Allah’s mercy over the state’s security challenges.
The event concluded with renewed prayers and collective pledges by stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, uphold truth, and foster unity in the fight for peace and security in Katsina State.
The event attracted high-level dignitaries including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahya Daura; Secretary to the Government of the State, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari; representatives of the Katsina and Daura Emirate Councils; district heads; Jumaat Imams; and leading Ulamas from across both Emirates.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
3rd September, 2025
