President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on governors across Nigeria to remain focused on delivering tangible results that improve the lives of their people, urging them to disregard armchair critics who merely seek to distract from the work at hand.
During a two-day visit to Katsina, the President told the governors that the accurate measure of leadership is a positive, visible impact.
“Let the people be at the heart of your programmes. Your hard work and concrete achievements will answer any criticism. Ignore distractions—your results will speak for you,” the President said.
The President commissioned a 24 km road, which Governor Dikko Umar Radda completed within 18 months. The President also commissioned the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre.
The road commissioned was the Eastern Bypass, which stretched from Dutsin-ma Road through Kano and Daura Roads and terminated at Yandaki in the Kaita Local Government Area.
“We have decided for peace and stability. 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 added.
President Tinubu noted that hunger and poverty remain the biggest threats to peace in the country.
“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. Small and large-scale farming will be encouraged. Once we liberate ourselves from hunger, we will appreciate peace and harmony.
“The remarkable progress in the state will continue to be rewarded. I want to assure the Nigerian public that agriculture is the heart of our progress and must be for all. We have dedicated ourselves to food security. We must invest in mechanisation and water management. The old style of agriculture is gone,” he stated.
The President said the Bank of Agriculture will be resuscitated and properly repositioned to meet farmers’ needs and improve farming and agricultural production.
“The Bank of Agriculture is being revitalised. When resuscitated, the bank will make funds available for large, medium and small-scale farming,” he said.
President Tinubu commended Governor Radda for significantly impacting agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure in less than two years.
“I listened to your report card. It is a big task. In just half of your tenure, you have made remarkable progress. 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.
“It was difficult during the election when you started, thanks to former Governors like Ibrahim Shema, the bridge builder Aminu Bello Masari and Waziri of the universe, Ibrahim Masari.
“I want to congratulate the great people of Katsina for making the right choice by electing Radda. We have been collaborating with him for the good of the state and the country,” the President added.
President Tinubu challenged the governors to pay more attention to agriculture.
“You have introduced a great, progressive movement in Katsina State by just tilling the land and putting the land to use. 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,” President Tinubu said.
The President thanked past governors of the state for purposeful leadership and appreciated the traditional council, Katsina, and Daura Emirates for supporting the country’s unity, peace, and progress.
