From Abdullahi Shugaba, in Katsina
The Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his support for the Old Boys Alumni Association of the College of Education, Kafanchan for its proposed initiatives to provide Solar- Powered Energy in the School.
Radda gave the assurance when he received in audience his former classmates of College of Education Kafanchan, Kaduna State from 1985–1988 at the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina on Monday.
He expressed delight for receiving his class classmates and appreciated the solidarity and brotherhood they have showing to him.
He recalled that members of the alumni had supported him financially, physically, morally and in various form throughout his political journey.
“ This is because we grew up together, and God, in His own mercy, made me the Governor of this state,
snce I started this journey, I appreciate you support to me” Radda said.
He told members of the association that he will not disappoint the people of Katsina State for the confidence reposed on him to the state governor.
Radda said he will exhibit his prowess to show that College of Education, Kafanchan had produced graduates capable of excelling in different assignments.
“We are products of an institution that can hardly fail in any assignment given to us,” Governor Radda said.
The Governor said the training he acquired at the College of Education, Kafanchan served as a foundation which subsequently helped him in his university education .
He said while primary and secondary provided the basic foundation, the College of Education, Kafanchan, also played a significant role in preparing them for higher education.
“When we proceeded to university, we found everything it relatively very easy because we had already acquired a strong academic foundation”
Governor Radda commended the alumni for meeting him with an initiative for their alma mater to suit the present circumstances expressing confidence that the objectives be achieved.
“I believe that with this arrangement, we will be able to achieve 80 to 90 per cent of our objectives, Insha Allah,” he said.
He said the gathering was not motivated by material benefits, noting that some members of the alumni had not even met him since he became Governor talk more of even benefiting for anything from him.
“Some of you have never met me since I became Governor, let alone benefited from me in any material way. So, this is not about material benefits. It is about friendship, brotherhood and our collective desire to make our state better,” Governor Radda said.
Responding to the legacy project proposed by the alumni, the Governor assured them that he would key into the initiative and provide the necessary support required to make it successful.
“I will key into the project you have presented and give all the necessary support that may be required to make it successful,” he assured.
Governor Radda also expressed appreciation for the fellowship award to be conferred on him by the College of Education, Kafanchan, saying he was hearing about the honour for the first time.
Radda personally looked forward to visiting some of the places where he spent his student life.
“I wish I could be there because I wanted to visit some of the places where we spent part of our student life,” he said.
He specifically mentioned his desire to revisit some places in the college, where he stayed, as well as areas around the college, the host communities and some of the hostels where they spent years as students.
“Honestly, it would have been a good homecoming, and I sincerely wish I could be there,” he said.
The Governor also acknowledged the diverse roles played by members of the alumni, noting that some were politicians, academics and activists, while others were contributing to society in different fields.
He said his involvement and contacts with government had also encouraged some alumni members to participate more actively in politics.
“I really appreciate that,” he said.
Radda called on the leadership of the association to continue promoting unity among members and maintain the spirit of brotherhood, particularly in times of difficulties, joy or sorrow.
He recalled that some members lost their parents and beloved ones in the past recalling when they gathered in 2023.
He prayed God to grant those who died an eternal rest.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Old Boys Association, College of Education, Kafanchan, Umar Dangi Abbas, said the proposed visit to the institution was more than a symbolic engagement, describing it as a homecoming for a distinguished alumnus and an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the institution, its alumni and the wider community.
Abbas said the programme was designed to welcome Governor Radda back to the institution, not only as the Executive Governor of Katsina State, but also as a proud alumnus returning to an institution that formed an important part of his academic journey.
He said the proposals presented during the engagement were aimed at reconnecting Governor Radda and other alumni with the roots of their academic journey, while contributing to the development of the institution.
According to him, the proposed legacy projects was the provision of two solar-powered boreholes for the College of Education, Kafanchan.
He said the project would provide a sustainable source of water for students and staff and address one of the immediate needs of the institution, subject to the necessary technical and financial feasibility assessment.
He said the proposed visit to traditional institutions would also provide an opportunity to strengthen cultural ties with custodians of heritage and deepen the relationship between the institution and its host community.
Abbas added that the forthcoming convocation would celebrate graduating students and provide an opportunity to confer a prestigious honour on Governor Radda as a distinguished alumnus of the institution.
He appreciated Governor Radda for providing the alumni with the opportunity to reconnect with him and discuss ways of contributing to the development of their alma mater.
