By Bashir Gafia; Ahmadu Dansardauna
Giant strides made by man are usually relieved with pomp and pageantry. While some roll out the milestone amidst glass clinging. Some play the breakthrough low but all in praise and anticipation of a better future ahead. In this momentous instance, the success story always overshadows the nauseating hurdles and barricades accompanying such feats. Naturally, some people excel in various ways of life; they stand out in anything they venture into, they shine light, and they shape their environment and their world.
Such individuals of unique poise are celebrated everywhere, an action which encourages them to reach their peak. Thereby, serving as an impetus to the younger generation. How else can one describe a super administrator and grassroots mobiliser, Governor Mallam Umaru Dikko Radda, PhD of Katsina State, as he clocks the age of 55?
Radda perfectly described the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson when he postulated (to be yourself in a world that is trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment). He is a tall man; his accomplishments are taller than him. A man of lofty ideals, humility and generosity; he paradoxically has a simple philosophy of life and corresponding approach to challenges.
The Katsina Governor’s undisputable wits and oratory power is legendary. He is a bastion of stability, he has brought progress and global attention to Katsina State. He has propelled the state forward in an unprecedented manner through his visionary leadership. He has also demonstrated a high sense of integrity, courage, confidence, doggedness, honesty and sincerity of purpose in his task of leading the state to greater heights.
Mr Radda graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, in 1996. He obtained two Master’s Degrees in Agricultural Extension and International Affairs and Diplomacy and also a Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, all from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, between 1998 and 2015. A former Teacher, Banker and local government Chairman, Mr Radda was until he was appointed DG SMEDAN, the chief of staff to the governor of Katsina State.
As an astute leader, Dikko is one of the few individuals who display exceptional strides in the areas of education, health, agriculture, women/youth empowerment, etc, through his Gwagware Foundation.
Dynamic Dikko, as he is fondly called by his admirers, combines a rare academic capability with administrative and organisational ability. This is evident in many strategic administrative positions he held and the challenges he had overcome over the years, in the public service he discharged efficiently.
He is genuinely believed to possess the traits that are equipped with pedigree, integrity and capacity to drive the State through the pathway of phenomenal positive transformation to a Building of The Future destination where it will earnestly reflect the manifesto; “BUILDING THE FUTURE IF KATSINA STATE”.
Mallam Radda has transformed the state into a hub of activities. He has given the Katsina person a new sense of identity –one that is based on the “can–do” spirit and a deep appreciation of his place in the Nigerian scheme of things. He has shown that government can indeed be a force for good and that a people’s spirit can be lifted and the wings of their dreams can soar above and beyond conventional thoughts and beliefs.
The level of infrastructural development, the road networks, the education transformation, and the numerous other people-centric initiatives that dot the landscape have won him plaudits and acclaim both at home and abroad.
Security is one of the main pillars of the Governor Dikko Radda-led administration. In the last 16 months, he has invested in providing the necessary equipment to the security agencies to carry out their duties in the State. The government has also employed various strategies to tackle security challenges in Katsina State including initiating measures for more effective intelligence gathering and policing the entry and exit points of the state. He established the Katsina State Community Watch with 1,466 trained personnel and invested over N10 billion in security infrastructure.
In healthcare, he has overseen the construction of a new dialysis centre and upgraded several health facilities, while in education, he approved 75 new secondary schools and the recruitment of over 7,000 classroom teachers.
Governor Mallam Umaru Dikko Radda’s quick wins since May 29, 2023, clearly show a great sense of responsibility, exceptional courage, sincerity of purpose and diligent service to Katsina State, distinguishing him as a worthy icon of a rare breed whose been etched permanently in the annals of creative and legendary leadership as he turned 55 years.
Comrade Gafia and Dansardauna write in from Kofar Kaura, Katsina State.
