By Peter Omopo
Katsina – Vice President Kashim Shettima has lauded Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State for his visionary leadership in fostering innovation, youth empowerment, and small business growth, describing the state as “a beacon of creativity and resilience in Northern Nigeria.”
Shettima made the remarks on Monday during the graduation ceremony of the Dikko Social Innovation Academy and the maiden edition of the Katsina MSME Awards and Dinner held at the Government House Banquet Hall, Katsina.
According to the Vice President, Katsina is reclaiming its historical reputation as a hub of scholarship, commerce, and craftsmanship — a legacy that once defined Northern Nigeria’s economic and intellectual development.
“Katsina was once a centre of learning and leadership,” Shettima said, recalling that Sheikh Mohammed Bello wrote Usul Siyasa for the Emir of Katsina — a governance manual predating colonial administration.
He also highlighted the historic influence of Katsina College (later Barewa College), which produced many of Nigeria’s most prominent leaders, saying that the state’s “creative and resilient spirit” continues to thrive among its artisans, farmers, and young entrepreneurs.
The Vice President urged renewed efforts to industrialise Northern Nigeria, emphasising the need to convert local raw materials such as cotton, millet, and hides into viable industries that can create jobs and promote inclusive economic growth.
“We must turn our comparative advantage into competitive advantage,” Shettima stated, calling on northern states to replicate Katsina’s model of enterprise-driven development.
He commended Governor Radda’s establishment of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), describing it as a model that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic diversification and youth employment.
“Governor Radda is leading by example. Katsina’s MSME ecosystem reflects the Renewed Hope vision of shared prosperity. I am proud of Katsina’s unity and progress,” Shettima said.
“We have no business fighting each other — our real battles are against poverty and insecurity.”
Expressing warmth toward the host state, Shettima described Katsina as “home — a land of history, unity, and great promise.”
In his remarks, Governor Radda said his administration’s focus on enterprise, skills development, and innovation was transforming lives across the state.
“When we came into office, we made a deliberate decision to empower people through enterprise and innovation,” Radda said. “That decision gave birth to KASEDA, which today stands as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant enterprise institutions.”
The governor described the event as “a celebration of innovation, resilience, and progress,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people and supporting local businesses.
The ceremony, which drew top government officials, business leaders, and development partners, underscored Katsina’s growing role in reviving Northern Nigeria’s tradition of industry, education, and entrepreneurship.
