Dikko Umaru Radda, the Governor of Katsina State, has reaffirmed his commitment to fostering regional collaboration, enhancing security, and promoting social reform as well as agricultural growth. This statement came during his reception of a distinguished delegation from the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), guided by Chairperson Mike Osuman, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who visited the Government House in Katsina.
During this visit, the ACF formally presented an emblematic pin to Governor Radda, symbolizing their collective commitment and shared vision for the advancement of Northern Nigeria. The governor expressed his gratitude for the historical role played by the ACF in advancing unity and progress in the region.
"I warmly welcome our esteemed elder statesmen and members of this influential Forum. Our region faces significant hardships—such as insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, community displacement, the issue of out-of-school children, poverty, and malnutrition. While the government is vigorously working to combat these issues, the wisdom and prayers of our elders are also invaluable," stated Governor Radda.
He highlighted that the founding members of the ACF established the organization to unify the North and guide its development pathway. He emphasized that their vision remains crucial in addressing today's socio- economic and security challenges.
The governor pointed out that effectively combating poverty, malnutrition, and the out-of-school children crisis necessitates confronting the underlying social problems, including family responsibilities and moral values.
"Children are a trust from Allah. Parents should take full responsibility for their education, welfare, and moral upbringing. Many of the social issues confronting us today stem from the neglect of this sacred duty," he remarked.
Governor Radda also noted the immense pressure faced by the North from rapid population growth combined with limited resources, urging for unified efforts and regional collaboration.
"Our states' resources are constrained, yet the demands are vast. This reality makes regional cooperation a necessity. The Arewa Consultative Forum, as a respected body with no partisan affiliations, is well-positioned to facilitate a collective stance among the Northern states on vital social and economic reforms," he added.
On the economic front, the governor labeled agriculture as the backbone of Northern Nigeria, cautioning that the region's future hinges on the protection and modernization of the agricultural sector.
"If we fail in our agricultural strength, we risk losing everything. Consequently, my administration is prioritizing rural agriculture, agricultural value chains, and agro-processing industries," he stated.
He revealed that Katsina State is working towards establishing a state-of-the- art meat processing and livestock value chain system, aimed at local processing of animals, creating employment, and generating foreign currency.
"We recently visited South Africa to analyze their meat processing and feedlot systems. The scale and success of their operations illustrate what is feasible for Northern Nigeria, considering our extensive livestock resources. Even a facility processing a few hundred cattle daily can create thousands of job opportunities," the governor elaborated.
He urged Northern states to pinpoint their unique advantages in agricultural and livestock production to help provide jobs for the growing youth population, underlining that the guidance of the ACF will be vital in reaching a regional consensus.
Governor Radda assured the ACF of Katsina State Government's readiness to join forces in any initiative aimed at furthering peace, unity, and socio-economic progress.
Earlier, the ACF Chairperson, Mr. Osuman, praised the Katsina State Government for its endeavors in tackling security issues, rebuilding public trust, and assisting victims of banditry and kidnapping. The chairperson also briefed the governor on the recent 25th-anniversary commemorative activities for the ACF and the formation of the ACF Endowment Fund.
He emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance as the election season nears, advocating for enhanced community-based and intelligence-driven security strategies to maintain peace and stability.
Attendees at the meeting included various notable stakeholders such as the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari; former Deputy Governor, Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi; Head of Service, Falalu Bawale; Chief of Staff, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Principal Private Secretary, Hon Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, traditional leaders, and senior members of the Arewa Consultative Forum.
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