Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State for his visionary leadership in promoting innovation, enterprise, and youth empowerment.
He described Katsina as “a beacon of creativity and resilience in Northern Nigeria,” noting that the state is steadily reviving its long-standing legacy of learning, trade, and craftsmanship.
Speaking on Monday at the graduation ceremony of the Dikko Social Innovation Academy and the maiden edition of the Katsina MSME Awards and Dinner which is part of his two-day official visit to the state, the Vice President lauded Katsina’s rich heritage as a centre of knowledge and culture that has shaped Northern Nigeria for generations.
Shettima recalled how Katsina once served as a hub for scholars, rulers, and traders, reminding the audience that Sheikh Mohammed Bello wrote ‘Usul Siyasa’ for the Emir of Katsina, a major governance guide long before colonial times, noting that the famous Katsina College, later known as Barewa College, produced some of Nigeria’s finest leaders, underscoring the state’s deep-rooted tradition of education and leadership.
According to the Vice President, that same creative spirit still defines the people of Katsina — its artisans, farmers, and young entrepreneurs who continue to show remarkable resilience.
He called for renewed industrialisation efforts, urging the conversion of local raw materials such as cotton and millet into thriving industries that can create jobs and drive inclusive growth.
Shettima commended Governor Radda for strengthening the state’s MSME ecosystem through the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), describing it as a model initiative that aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also praised the Governor’s efforts in fostering unity among political and traditional leaders across the state, saying, “We have no business fighting each other — we must unite to confront insecurity and poverty.
“I am proud of Katsina’s unity and progress, and I must say — the Governor resembles me more than anyone else in this room.”
Shettima expressed gratitude to the people of Katsina for their warmth and hospitality, describing the state as “home — a land of history, unity, and great promise.”
In his remarks, Governor Radda said his administration’s focus on enterprise and innovation is transforming the lives of young people across the state. He described the event as “a celebration of innovation, resilience, and progress toward a more prosperous future.”
“When we came into office, we made a deliberate decision to empower people through enterprise and innovation,” the Governor said. “That decision gave birth to KASEDA — which today stands as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant enterprise institutions.”
He thanked Vice President Shettima for extending his stay in Katsina to attend the event, describing him as “a true champion of MSMEs in Nigeria.”
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The Governor added, “The people of Katsina and our Kanuri brothers and sisters from Maiduguri share a long history of friendship and mutual teasing. We often say, ‘When a Kanuri man promises, he does not just keep the word — he multiplies it.’ Your Excellency, you have once again lived up to that reputation!
“Tonight is about progress, partnership, and purpose. Together, we are making Katsina the home of enterprise and innovation,” he concluded.
