Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to grassroots agricultural transformation as he flagged off the distribution of irrigation equipment and farm inputs to farmers across the state.
The event, which took place today at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Katsina, was organized under the auspices of the Katsina State Community Development Programme (CDP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Katsina State Irrigation Authority.
In his address, Governor Radda described the event as part of his administration’s ongoing vision to empower rural communities and strengthen agriculture as the foundation of Katsina’s economy.
“Today’s event is not merely a distribution exercise,” the Governor stated. “It is a reflection of our collective commitment to improving the lives of our people, especially our hardworking farmers whose efforts put food on our tables every day.”
Governor Radda explained that the items being distributed — including 4,000 irrigation water pumps, 4,000 knapsack sprayers, herbicides, and liquid fertilizers — are part of his government’s deliberate efforts to make farming more productive and profitable while ensuring food security across the state.
He further noted that the Community Development Programme (CDP) was established to bring governance closer to the grassroots, empowering communities to identify their needs and drive their own development.
“When I assumed office, I made a promise that government would no longer sit in comfort while our people struggle in silence. That promise gave birth to the CDP — a structure that allows government to listen directly to the people and respond to their real needs,” Radda emphasized.
The Governor directed the CDP to oversee logistics, monitoring, and accountability to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution process. He also instructed KTARDA to deploy agricultural extension officers to guide farmers on the proper usage of the tools.
“These tools belong to our farmers, but more importantly, they belong to the future of Katsina State. Use them wisely to improve your productivity and lift your families out of hardship,” he advised.
Governor Radda expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture, KTARDA, the CDP teams, ALGON, and development partners for their support in ensuring the success of the initiative.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Community Development Programme, Dr. Kamal, highlighted the far-reaching impact of the CDP since its inception.
“From November last year to date, there is hardly any community in Katsina that has not felt the impact of the CDP,” he said. “Through numerous initiatives, we have distributed fertilizers at polling units, provided ₦50,000 financial support to widows and vulnerable women through the KT-Cares initiative, and supported smallholder farmers to boost their productivity.”
Dr. Kamal added that during Ramadan, the CDP reached thousands of families with food items through community committees, reaffirming the programme’s continued focus on empowering verified irrigation farmers with modern equipment.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Aliyu Lawal Shargalle, thanked Almighty Allah for blessing Katsina with a leader who genuinely values agriculture. He urged beneficiaries to make good use of the distributed tools, reminding them that they are not for sale but meant to enhance farming and ensure food security.
“This initiative will enhance irrigation farming, promote sustainable food production, and strengthen our state’s agricultural base,” he said.
The Managing Director of the Katsina State Irrigation Authority, Engr. Salim Suleiman, described the event as historic, noting that the distributed equipment would significantly improve irrigation farming and boost the state’s rural economy.
“These materials are not for sale. They are meant to transform our farms and enhance productivity. If used properly, they will uplift our communities and improve our economy,” he stated, while appreciating the Governor for his continued support to farmers.
Speaking on behalf of all 34 local government chairmen, Hon. Rabo Tambaya, Deputy ALGON Chairman, commended Governor Radda’s visionary leadership and the transformative role of the CDP in rural development.
He recalled that, “This empowerment programme is another milestone in the history of agriculture in Katsina. Through the CDP, His Excellency has brought governance and development closer to the people. These unprecedented initiatives — from fertilizer distribution to direct cash support for widows and farmers, and now today’s distribution of irrigation farming materials to 4,000 beneficiaries — have never been witnessed in Nigeria’s history,” Tambaya said.
He reaffirmed ALGON’s commitment to supporting the Governor’s agricultural revolution, adding that the empowerment would strengthen rural livelihoods, reduce poverty, and ensure sustainable food security across the state.
“We stand firmly behind Your Excellency. With your foresight and people-centered leadership, Katsina State will continue to grow stronger, Insha Allah,” he concluded.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Katsina Local Government Chairman, Hon. Isah Miqdad, among others.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Katsina State
3rd November, 2025
