President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian governors to stay focused on delivering visible and impactful results, rather than getting distracted by armchair critics.
According to the President, true leadership is measured by the quality of life improved and the legacy left behind.
Speaking during a two-day working visit to Katsina State, Tinubu commissioned a 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass road project completed by Governor Dikko Radda within 18 months, as well as the newly established Katsina Agricultural Mechanised Centre.
“Let the people be at the heart of your programmes,” Tinubu charged. “Your achievements will speak louder than critics. Stay focused, ignore distractions, and let your results do the talking.”
While acknowledging the security challenges faced by the state, Tinubu praised the Radda administration’s courage in confronting terrorism and banditry.
“You have shown resilience and vision. You will not walk alone — the Federal Government will stand by you,” he assured.
The President highlighted hunger and poverty as major threats to national peace, but affirmed that his administration is steering the economy in the right direction, with strong emphasis on food security and agricultural development.
“We are committed to banishing hunger. Agriculture remains the engine of our progress — not oil. Mechanisation, irrigation, and modern methods will drive this new era,” Tinubu stated, adding that the Bank of Agriculture is being revived to provide accessible financing for farmers at all levels.
He applauded Governor Radda’s developmental strides in agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, describing his performance within two years as “remarkable and patriotic.”
“You’re a progressive mind, full of honesty and commitment. Katsina made the right choice,” he said, crediting former governors Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema for laying a solid foundation.
He further encouraged governors nationwide to follow Katsina’s example by prioritising farming as a path to sustainable growth.
“Move away from oil dependency. The land is waiting. Farming will be our source of wealth,” Tinubu declared.
The President also thanked the traditional councils of Katsina and Daura Emirates for their unwavering support for unity, peace, and progress, calling his visit a “homecoming.”
“I am your son. This is home for me. Your warm reception touched me deeply,” he said.
Governor Radda, in his address, said the newly commissioned mechanised centre would serve all 34 local government areas of the state.
He disclosed that 400 tractors were procured through a N25 billion federal government intervention.
He also reported that 160 km of roads have been constructed or rehabilitated, while investments in power, water supply, and healthcare have significantly improved living conditions.
According to him, 4,000 pumping machines have been distributed to enhance irrigation, while 448,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser were supplied to farmers last year, with 400,000 tonnes to be distributed this year.
The event was attended by governors of Borno, Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, and Jigawa states, as well as former governors, ministers of culture, agriculture, and solid minerals.