President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on governors across Nigeria to remain steadfast in delivering tangible, people-focused results, urging them to ignore critics and distractions. The President made the remarks during a two-day working visit to Katsina State, where he commissioned critical infrastructure projects and commended local leadership for notable developmental strides.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly completed 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass road and the Katsina Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, President Tinubu stressed that true leadership is measured by visible, positive impact on citizens’ lives.
“Let the people be at the heart of your programmes. Hard work and concrete achievements will answer any criticism. Ignore distractions — your results will speak for you,” Tinubu stated.
The President praised Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, for completing the vital Eastern Bypass road within 18 months and for advancing agricultural initiatives aimed at boosting food security and economic empowerment.
Addressing the challenges of terrorism and banditry in the region, President Tinubu assured residents that the federal government remains committed to supporting Katsina’s efforts toward peace and stability. “You will not walk alone,” he said.
The President identified hunger and poverty as the foremost threats to national peace and urged state governors to prioritise modernised agriculture as a sustainable path to prosperity. He announced the imminent revitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture to support farmers with accessible funding for small, medium, and large-scale farming operations.
“The old style of agriculture is gone,” Tinubu declared. “We must invest in mechanisation, water management, and large-scale farming to banish hunger and guarantee food security for our people.”
Governor Radda, in his remarks, highlighted key milestones achieved in less than two years, including the purchase of 400 tractors through a N25 billion federal intervention, construction of 160 kilometres of roads, and improved healthcare, power, and water supply across the state. The government also distributed 448,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser last year, with another 400,000 metric tonnes slated for farmers this year.
The Katsina Agricultural Mechanised Centre, according to the governor, will serve all 34 local government areas of the state and enhance irrigation farming through the provision of 4,000 pumping machines.
The high-profile event drew the attendance of governors from Borno, Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, and Jigawa States, alongside former Katsina State governors, Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema. Federal ministers overseeing culture, solid minerals, and agriculture also participated.
President Tinubu concluded his visit by thanking Katsina’s traditional councils and communities for their enduring support and unity, describing his visit as a “homecoming”.
“Your commitment to national peace and progress is appreciated. Katsina is home to progress, development, and freedom for good,” he added.
