- Pledges Support and Calls for Strategic Partnership with State Institutions
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has received a delegation from the Care Foundation, led by Ambassador Ahmed Rufai, Sardaunan Katsina and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Reforestation of Katsina.
The visit, which took place today at Government House, Katsina, was a courtesy call aimed at strengthening collaboration on environmental initiatives.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Ambassador Rufai explained that he was in the state capital in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, accompanied by two other board members.
“I was recently received on a courtesy and personal call by His Excellency, the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda. During the meeting, we had the opportunity to introduce the Foundation, outline its mission and vision, and restate its objectives,” he said.
The Care Foundation for the Reforestation of Katsina is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation established in 1994 by the late Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko, a distinguished son of Katsina State. The Foundation was created to combat desertification, a challenge worsened by human activities and the growing effects of climate change.
Ambassador Rufai highlighted the Foundation’s history and enduring impact.
“Our forefathers, particularly Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko, demonstrated remarkable foresight by establishing this organisation to tackle a problem which continues to intensify. Since its inception, the Foundation has pursued its mandate through public awareness campaigns, community mobilisation, and practical intervention programmes,” he said.
The Foundation operates offices in seven local government areas across Katsina State—Daura, Funtua, Malumfashi, Dutsin-Ma, Mani, Kankia, and Batsari—all coordinated from a central head office.
Over the years, the Board of Trustees has been guided by some of Katsina’s most eminent citizens, including the founder Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko Yusuf, the late President Muhammadu Buhari, the late Sarkin Fadan Katsina Alhaji Ismaila Kaita, the late Dr. Ibrahim Yazid Rafindadi, and the late Alhaji Lawal Garba, former Secretary-General of the African Timber Organization in Ethiopia.
“These eminent individuals laid a solid foundation for this noble cause. Today, the responsibility of sustaining and advancing this legacy rests with us. I have accepted this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty,” Ambassador Rufai said.
He added that the purpose of the visit was to formally present himself to Governor Radda, brief him on the Foundation’s work, and reaffirm commitment to environmental restoration in Katsina State.
“I am pleased to state that His Excellency received us warmly—as we say in Hausa, da hannu biyu. It became clear that the objectives of the Foundation are fully aligned with the Governor’s development agenda, especially his focus on agriculture, tree planting, afforestation, and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Ambassador Rufai revealed that Governor Radda emphasized the importance of strong synergy between the Foundation and state institutions, assuring his support and directing that the Foundation be linked with relevant government agencies responsible for reforestation, afforestation, seedling production, and environmental management.
“This engagement marks an important step toward revitalising the work of the Foundation and strengthening partnerships with the Katsina State Government in the collective fight against desertification,” he stated.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to Governor Radda for his time, openness, and willingness to collaborate, pledging continued support for the Foundation’s initiatives.
“We remain committed to our mission of restoring and sustaining the environment of Katsina State,” Ambassador concluded.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
3rd February, 2026
