…next batch to cover all 361 wards, Gov promises
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has handed N102 million in starter packs to 102 graduates of the revived Songhai Comprehensive Centre, marking a new milestone in his agricultural transformation agenda.
Speaking today at the graduation ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of Muhammadu Buhari House, Governor Radda described the occasion as “a turning point in the history of agriculture in Katsina State.”
Each graduate received N1 million as seed capital – a significant increase from the initial N300,000 package. The 102 beneficiaries, three from each of the state’s 34 local government areas, completed six months of intensive training in poultry, fishery, crop production, soil science, livestock management, market gardening, and biogas technology.
The Governor revealed that over 19,000 farmers have directly benefited from agricultural inputs and assets distributed under his administration’s comprehensive farming support programs.
“This is not just financial support. It is the seed capital. If you use it wisely and manage it with discipline, it will grow, create jobs, and transform communities,” Governor Radda told the graduates.
The Governor noted that his administration has implemented sweeping agricultural reforms including the 2023 dry season farming program that provided free improved seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and 8,000 solar-powered irrigation machines to farmers across the state.
“In 2024, the government trained and deployed 722 agricultural extension workers to all 361 wards, each equipped with motorcycles and tools to support grassroots farmers,” Governor Radda disclosed.
“The mechanization drive has been equally impressive. The administration supplied 4,000 power tillers, 4,000 solar irrigation pumps, 400 tractors, 1,000 planters, and 10 combine harvesters to farmers statewide.
“The government also distributed 20,000 metric tons of fertilizer at a subsidized price of ₦20,000 per bag, alongside improved seeds and chemicals provided at 50% subsidy – an initiative the Governor noted was “the first of its kind by any Nigerian state.”
“Women and medium-scale farmers received special attention through the goat multiplication program, with 3,610 women receiving four goats each, while 361 medium-scale farmers were supported with 50 goats each.
Governor Radda, however, announced that the next batch of Songhai training will include 361 participants – one from each ward of Katsina State – ensuring broader grassroots inclusion across all communities.
“I have seen your commitment and sacrifice. Some of you even left your families and children to complete this training. That gives me hope for the future of our state,” he said.
The Governor stressed that his agricultural policies aim to move Katsina from subsistence to commercial farming, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and positioning the state as an agribusiness leader.
“Together, we are moving our youth from the streets to the farms, from unemployment to enterprise, from dependency to dignity,” Governor Radda declared.
The Governor also revealed plans to develop rural farm settlements equipped with schools, health centers, veterinary clinics, housing, and hostels to create modern farming communities.
“The administration has also revived cotton production using improved seeds and strengthened value chains to restore the crop’s position in Katsina’s economy,” the Governor maintained.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Ahmed Bakori, in his opening remarks, described the graduation as “not just the completion of a training program, but the beginning of a new chapter in the journey of agricultural transformation in Katsina State.”
“These trainees represent the future of our agricultural sector. They are now ready to transform challenges into opportunities and contribute meaningfully to food security, job creation, and the economic prosperity of our state,” Prof. Bakori stated.
He praised Governor Radda’s vision in placing young people at the center of policies aimed at creating wealth, jobs, and food security.
“Today, we are not only producing graduates; we are producing role models, entrepreneurs, and nation-builders who will shape the future of agriculture in Katsina,” the Commissioner declared.
In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura ably represented by the Majority Leader Hon Shamsudeen Abubakar Dabai urged the graduands to embrace the skills and knowledge they’ve acquired for good use.
In a similar vein, Rabo Tambaya, Chairman of Danja and Katsina ALGON Deputy Chairman, pledged the support of all 34 local government chairmen for the program and encouraged the graduates to apply their training for the benefit of their communities.
Speaking for the graduates, their representative Umar Mukhtar promised to use their knowledge to improve food production, create jobs, and support Katsina State’s progress.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, Principal Private Secretary Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs Usman Abba Jaye, and other top government officials alongside hundreds of graduating trainees.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
18th September, 2025
