President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged state governors to remain focused on delivering meaningful development that improves the lives of citizens while ignoring unproductive criticisms.
He made the statement on Friday at the start of a two-day working visit to Katsina State.
The president, who commissioned several infrastructure and agricultural projects initiated by Governor Dikko Radda, emphasized the need for results-driven governance.
“Let the people be at the heart of your programmes,” Tinubu said. “Your hard work and concrete achievements will answer any criticism. Ignore distractions — your results will speak for you.”
Among the completed projects he inaugurated were a 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass Road linking Dutsin-ma Road to Yandaki in Kaita LGA, and the Katsina Agricultural Mechanised Centre—an initiative designed to boost food production and security.
Tinubu acknowledged the security challenges faced by the state but commended Governor Radda’s resilience.
“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.
He noted that hunger and poverty are major threats to peace across the country, stressing the role of agriculture in addressing these issues.
“The economy is sailing in the right trajectory. Today, we are seeing an effort to banish hunger and a commitment to food security and the empowerment of our people,” Tinubu said.
“Small and large-scale farming will be encouraged. Once we liberate ourselves from hunger, we will appreciate peace and harmony.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to modernising agriculture, declaring the outdated methods obsolete.
“We have dedicated ourselves to food security. We must invest in mechanisation and water management. The old style of agriculture is gone,” he said.
He added that the Bank of Agriculture would be revived to provide funding opportunities for farmers.
“The Bank of Agriculture is being revitalised. When resuscitated, the bank will make funds available for large, medium and small-scale farming,” the president explained.
Commending Radda’s performance so far, Tinubu said, “I listened to your report card. It is a big task. In just half of your tenure, you have made remarkable progress.”
He praised the governor’s integrity and patriotism: “The commitment you have shown and the efforts you have put into government are highly commendable. You are a patriot, a son, and a progressive mind with honesty.”
Tinubu also acknowledged the roles played by former governors Ibrahim Shema, Aminu Bello Masari, and Ibrahim Masari in supporting Radda’s rise to office, describing Katsina’s decision to elect him as the right choice.
“We have been collaborating with him for the good of the state and the country,” he said.
The president called on other states to embrace Katsina’s model of agricultural reform.
“You have introduced a great, progressive movement in Katsina state by just tilling the land and putting the land to use,” he said.
“Farming will be our source of prosperity and growth. We should remove ourselves from reliance on oil and commit to agriculture. It will bring prosperity.”
“I commend you for the mechanisation programme. It is a great investment, and I hope others can learn from it. The construction of the 24-km road speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the government. I say, Thank you.”
Governor Radda, in his remarks, said the new mechanised centre would serve all 34 local government areas in Katsina and noted that the project was funded through a federal government N25 billion intervention used to purchase 400 tractors.
Later in the day, President Tinubu visited Nigerian Army troops deployed in the state and praised their efforts in combating insecurity.
He described the soldiers as “brave and gallant defenders of the nation” and assured them that Nigerians are relying on their continued efforts to reclaim territories from bandits and terrorists.