By Abdullahi Shugaba, in Katsina
The Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has described public service as a trust which is measured by its impact on ordinary people.
Governor Radda stated this at a Special Sallah Durbar organized in Katsina.
Malam Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS), to the governor conveyed this in a Press statement to Citizenship Daily in Katsina.
The statement said the governor pledged the commitment of his administration to ensure the protection and security of lives and property of the citizens as well as inclusive development and institutional reforms in the state.
Mohammed said that the Governor made this known at the 2026 Special Durbar, popularly known as Hawan Bariki usually organized annually during Eid-el-Fitr and Eid-Adha Sallah Celebrations in Katsina.
According to him, the event attracted diplomats from 17 foreign countries, traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic corps, top government officials, sons and daughters of the state within and outside including their associates to the occasion.
He said horse riders in their thousands from 28 districts of the state along with their District Heads turned out en-mase and paraded on horse backs and displayed the rich cultural heritage of the state, symbolising unity, peace, and loyalty to constituted authority and traditional institutions
The Governor said that the celebration should not be seen for just mere fun but should be seen as a moment for sober reflections emphasising that “Leadership is a trust, power is a responsibility, and public service must be measured by its impact on lives of the ordinary citizens”
“Hawan Sarki is more than a ceremony. It is a reflection of our history, our identity, and the unity of our people. It reminds us of the values that define us — faith, honour, compassion, courage, and service,” he said.
Radda noted that the visit of the ambassadors to Katsina reflects the growing global confidence and recognition the international communities have in the state
He said that his administration will continue to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in tackling insecurity in the state.
According to him, “Security is not only the responsibilities of the government alone, it is not about weapons and deployments. It is about trust, intelligence gathering which all hands must be on deck to tackle it.
In a separate development, the Governor said the 2026 budget was built entirely on community needs assessments, with each of the 361 communities receiving over ₦10 million to address priority needs.
On infrastructure, he said key road projects including the dualisation of major roads in Katsina metropolis, Funtua, and Daura had been completed, while rural feeder roads were being expanded to connect farmers to markets.
On agriculture, the governor disclosed that his administration distributed 40,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser annually at subsidised rates and procured over 400 tractors for the 34 local government areas in the state.
On education, the Governor said three model schools were established, over 85 secondary schools completed, and more than 7,000 teachers recruited. In health, he commissioned a world-class dialysis centre and is completing a state-of-the-art imaging facility, while upgrading over 250 primary healthcare centres.
He also revealed that the administration cleared over ₦45 billion in pension liabilities and introduced digital systems to improve governance efficiency and transparency.
“The true test of leadership is whether it improves the lives of ordinary people — farmers, students, workers, and the vulnerable. We will continue to build, reform, listen, and act in the best interest of our people,” the Governor added.
Earlier, the Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, urged citizens to remain disciplined, law-abiding, and united pointing out that peace and development depend on cooperation, mutual respect, and collective responsibility.”
The Emir commended Governor Radda’s leadership pointing out that true governance is measured by safer communities, improved livelihoods, and renewed hope for the people.
He also appreciated the visitation by the international Envoys describing it as a reflection of Katsina peaceful and dignified.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari; the Head of Service, Alhaji Falalu Bawale; and other top government officials, traditional rulers, and dignitaries.
The colourful celebration was graced by Wives of the Governor, Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Radda and Hajiya Fatima Dikko Radda; wife of the Deputy Governor, Hajiya Asmau Faruk; and the wife of the Speaker, Hajiya Safa Yahaya Daura.
