From Abdullahi Shugaba, in Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda has assured non-indigenous residing in the state of his commitment for inclusiveness in his administration.
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Radda said that non- indigenes will continue to benefit from government’s programmes and other developmental initiatives in the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Kaula Mohamned conveyed the Governor’s position in a statement to Citizenship Daily Newspaper.
He said governor Radda stated this on Thursday when he received leaders of the non-indigenous community, led by his Special Assistant on Non-Indigenous Affairs, Hon. Chief Chukwuka Okoye, on a courtesy visit to Government House in Katsina.
The Governor commended the community for its organisation, unity and support for his administration, noting that many non-indigenous residents had lived in Katsina for decades and had become deeply connected to the state.
He said many of their children were born and raised in Katsina, attended schools in the state and established their social and economic lives there.
“Many of you were born here, your children were born here, and they grew up here. This is where they live their lives. Therefore, Katsina is home to them,” he said.
Governor Radda said the government recognised the contributions of non-indigenous residents to the state’s economy, noting that their businesses created wealth and employment opportunities for residents.
He encouraged the community to maintain its unity and organisational structure, saying a united community was better positioned to present its concerns and engage government on issues affecting its members.
“I appreciate everything you are doing, particularly the way you organise yourselves and look after one another. When you come together as one, it is easier to present your concerns than when individuals operate separately,” he said.
The Governor also appreciated the community for its support during the 2023 election, saying the majority of its members had demonstrated confidence in his administration.
He assured the gathering that his administration would continue to promote peaceful coexistence among people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds, stressing that every resident had the right to practise his or her faith in accordance with the Constitution.
“We try to give everybody the opportunity and freedom to practise whatever faith he or she believes in. That is what the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides, and that is the principle we continue to uphold in Katsina State,” he said.
Governor Radda commended the leadership of the non-indigenous community for bringing people together irrespective of religion, ethnicity or state of origin.
He also praised the community for respecting Katsina’s traditional institutions, describing culture and tradition as important elements of Nigeria’s identity and unity.
On the requests presented by the various groups, the Governor directed the relevant government offices to examine them and take appropriate action within the limits of existing laws and regulations.
He advised that requests relating to traditional institutions and emirate affairs should be channelled through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Emirate Affairs and Traditional Institutions for consideration.
Governor Radda also directed that requests relating to religious programmes and prayer conferences be formally submitted and forwarded to the Ministry of Religious Affairs for necessary consideration.
On requests relating to businesses and access to government support, the Governor directed members of the community to approach the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) and access available opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises.
He explained that government support for businesses was not restricted to indigenous residents, stressing that every legitimate business operating in Katsina contributed to wealth creation and employment.
“Anybody operating a legitimate business in Katsina State is contributing to wealth creation and providing employment opportunities for the people of the state,” he said.
The Governor further directed that requests for meetings with him and other government officials should be channelled through the Director-General of Protocol for proper scheduling and coordination.
Earlier, the President of the Non-Indigenous Association of Katsina (NIAK), Prince Kunle Awe, commended Governor Radda for promoting inclusive governance, peaceful coexistence and development in the state.
He appreciated the administration for creating an environment where people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds could live, work and conduct their businesses peacefully.
The representatives expressed support for the administration and appealed for greater inclusion, empowerment, access to government programmes and stronger engagement with their communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Christian community, one of the representatives thanked the Governor for the opportunity to engage directly with the government and commended his efforts to promote peaceful coexistence.
“We appreciate your unwavering efforts towards promoting peaceful coexistence among the people of the state. The Christian community in Katsina State recognises and appreciates these efforts,” he said.
Also speaking, a representative of the Muslim community commended the Governor for prioritising the security of lives and property, assuring him of their continued prayers, support and cooperation.
The leaders pledged to continue supporting the administration and contributing to the economic and social development of Katsina State.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; heads of government agencies; traditional and religious leaders; leaders of various non-indigenous associations; representatives of market associations; and other stakeholders.
