Governor Dikko Radda@55: Spotlight On Superlative Service
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 in 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, 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 0f 55 ?
Radda perfectly described the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, when he postulated (to be yourself in the world that is trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment). A man who is tall, 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 in International Affairs and Diplomacy; and also 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 his appointment as DG SMEDAN , the chief of staff to the governor of Katsina State.
As an astute leader, Dikko is one of the few individuals that 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 organizational 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 have 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 estination 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, the numerous other people –centric initiatives that dot the landscape have won him plaudits and acclaim both 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 center and upgraded several health facilities, while in education, his approval of 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 shows great sense of responsibility, exceptional courage, sincerity of purpose and diligent service to Katsina State, distinguishing him as a worthy icon of rare breed whose been etched permanently in the annals of creative and legendary leaderships as he turned 55years .
Comrade Gafia and Dansardauna wrote in from Kofar Kaura,Katsina State
