From Abdullahi Shugaba, in Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has led a high-level delegation to the People’s Republic of China on a Strategic Technology and Industrial Partnership Mission aimed at advancing the administration’s “Building Your Future” agenda.
Radda said the mission strengthened existing partnerships and explored new areas of collaboration, and identify practical technologies to support development in education, agriculture, security, governance, manufacturing and the digital economy.
“Technology has been integrated into our development strategy since the beginning of this administration. We are using it to improve public services, create economic opportunities, strengthen security and support growth across key sectors,” the Governor said.
The delegation reviewed ongoing projects in the state. Through the Katsina Directorate of Information and Communications Technology, KATDICT, the administration has implemented initiatives laying the foundation for a modern digital government.
One of the flagship projects is the Radda Smart Model School developed with Huawei Technologies. The school runs on 24-hour power, has high-speed internet, interactive smart boards and a Learning Management System to support modern teaching.
He said Huawei, in collaboration with KATDICT, also donated a Mobile Digital Learning Truck. “It is taking digital literacy and technology training to schools and communities across the state, especially in underserved and remote areas,” he said.
On agriculture, the administration is working with Chinese partners to establish the Katsina Agricultural Mechanisation Centre. The centre is already improving access to modern equipment, boosting productivity and supporting food security.
In China, the delegation met with leading technology and industrial companies. Discussions, however, covered digital government, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, smart education, innovation ecosystems and digital public infrastructure.
The delegation visited the Huawei Global Training Centre, Research and Development facilities, manufacturing plants, Smart Campus and Integrated Operations Centre, IOC.
Governor Radda noted that Huawei’s IOC shows how technology supports intelligence-led governance through data integration, real-time monitoring and coordinated emergency response.
“The insights gained will help us strengthen security and improve coordination across government institutions in Katsina State,” he said.
The delegation also visited Geely Holding Group, one of China’s leading technology and manufacturing companies. Talks focused on sustainable mobility, electric vehicles, intelligent manufacturing and industrial development.
“These engagements give us useful perspectives on how technology, industrialisation and skills development can drive economic diversification and job creation,” Governor Radda added.
The Governor said the mission reaffirmed his administration’s approach of deploying practical technology solutions to improve outcomes in education, agriculture, healthcare, security, commerce and public administration.
“This is about building on existing partnerships and identifying new opportunities that will support the Building Your Future agenda and deliver a more productive, secure and prosperous Katsina State,” he concluded.
Members of the delegation were Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor; Naufal Ahmad, Director General, KATDICT; Mustapha Shehu, Executive Secretary; Katsina State Development Management Board KTDMB and Hajiya Hadiza Maikudi, Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Affairs.
l
