President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors to stay focused on delivering real benefits to their people, urging them to dismiss detractors and concentrate on the work ahead.
Speaking during a two-day visit to the Home of Hospitality (Katsina State), President Tinubu told the governors that meaningful development, not public commentary, should define their leadership. He stressed that the ultimate measure of governance lies in results visible to the citizens.
“Keep the people at the core of your plans. Your work will always speak louder than any noise,” Tinubu said while commissioning key infrastructure projects in the state.
Among the projects inaugurated were a 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass — linking Dutsin-ma Road through Kano and Daura Roads to Yandaki in Kaita Local Government Area — and the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre.
The President praised Governor Dikko Umar Radda for the swift completion of the bypass within 18 months and recognised his strides in agriculture, healthcare, education, and road development, all achieved less than two years into his term.
“You’ve demonstrated determination in the face of security challenges. The federal government stands with you in this effort,” Tinubu assured, acknowledging the state’s resilience against terrorism and banditry.
He identified poverty and hunger as major threats to national peace and promised continued support for farming initiatives. Tinubu disclosed that the Bank of Agriculture is being revived to provide funding across different scales of farming.
He applauded Governor Radda’s achievements so far, calling him a “patriot” and commending his commitment to public service. Tinubu also appreciated the contributions of former Governors Ibrahim Shema and Aminu Bello Masari, as well as the support of local traditional rulers, describing the reception he received as deeply touching.
“This is more than a visit. This is home. And this state remains a symbol of unity, growth, and freedom,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Radda outlined key projects under his administration, including the procurement of 400 tractors through a federal N25 billion intervention, the construction and rehabilitation of over 160 kilometres of roads, and improvements in power supply, water, and healthcare delivery.
He noted that the Agricultural Mechanized Centre will serve all 34 local councils, with 4,000 pumping machines distributed to boost irrigation. He also mentioned that farmers received 448,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser last year, with another 400,000 metric tonnes scheduled for distribution this year.
The event drew the presence of governors from Borno, Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, and Jigawa, along with ministers and former governors.
