President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Umar Radda, on his 57th birthday, describing him as a committed progressive whose grassroots approach to governance has strengthened inclusive development in the state.
Tinubu, in a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, praised Radda as a seasoned economist and grassroots administrator whose record of public service continues to inspire young Nigerians.
The President said the governor had demonstrated courage, focus and empathy in confronting some of Katsina State’s most pressing challenges, particularly insecurity and education, since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
He also commended Radda’s decision to take budget consultations to all 361 wards in Katsina State, allowing residents of each ward to identify projects they considered priorities.
According to Tinubu, the initiative represents a model of inclusive governance that gives communities a direct voice in decisions affecting their development.
‘Governor Radda has shown that leadership is about listening to the people. By taking budget consultations to all 361 wards of Katsina State and ensuring that every ward chooses its priority project, he has redefined inclusive governance.
‘His investment in security, in education as a weapon against poverty and insecurity, and in agriculture as the mainstay of his people, aligns perfectly with our Renewed Hope Agenda’, the President said.
Tinubu noted that Radda’s progression through different levels of public service had equipped him with a combination of grassroots experience and technocratic competence.
The governor had previously served as Chairman of Charanchi Local Government Area, Chief of Staff at the Katsina Government House and Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
The President described Radda’s career trajectory as an example of how deep knowledge of local communities could be combined with technical expertise to deliver transformative leadership.
He urged the governor to remain steadfast in his commitment to peace, development and improving the welfare of vulnerable members of society.
Tinubu prayed that Almighty Allah would grant Radda many more years in good health, wisdom and strength to continue serving the people of Katsina State and Nigeria.