VP Shettima Hails Radda’s Vision, Says Katsina is Reviving Northern Nigeria’s Legacy of Enterprise
* …As Governor Radda Graduates the First Set of 18 DSIA Fellows, Unveils Enterprise, Innovation and Youth Development Initiatives
The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, has commended the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, for his visionary leadership in promoting innovation, enterprise, and youth empowerment.
Shettima described Katsina as “a beacon of creativity and resilience in Northern Nigeria,” noting that the state is steadily reviving its long-standing legacy of learning, trade, and craftsmanship.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Dikko Social Innovation Academy (DSIA) and the maiden edition of the Katsina MSME Awards and Dinner held at the Government House Banquet Hall last night, the Vice President lauded Katsina’s rich heritage as a centre of knowledge and culture that has shaped Northern Nigeria for generations.
He recalled how Katsina once served as a hub for scholars, rulers, and traders, reminding the audience that Sheikh Mohammed Bello wrote Usul Siyasa for the Emir of Katsina — a major governance guide long before colonial times. He also noted that the famous Katsina College, later known as Barewa College, produced some of Nigeria’s finest leaders, underscoring the state’s deep-rooted tradition of education and leadership.
According to the Vice President, that same creative spirit still defines the people of Katsina — its artisans, farmers, and young entrepreneurs who continue to show remarkable resilience. He called for renewed industrialization efforts, urging the conversion of local raw materials such as cotton and millet into thriving industries that can create jobs and drive inclusive growth.
Shettima commended Governor Radda for strengthening the state’s MSME ecosystem through the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), describing it as a model initiative that aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also praised the Governor’s efforts to foster unity among political and traditional leaders across the state, saying, “We have no business fighting each other — we must unite to confront insecurity and poverty.”
With a touch of humour, the Vice President added, “I am proud of Katsina’s unity and progress, and I must say — the Governor resembles me more than anyone else in this room.”
Shettima expressed gratitude to the people of Katsina for their warmth and hospitality, describing the state as “home — a land of history, unity, and great promise.”
In his remarks, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda said his administration’s focus on enterprise and innovation is transforming the lives of young people across the state. He described the event as “a celebration of innovation, resilience, and progress toward a more prosperous future.”
“When we came into office, we made a deliberate decision to empower people through enterprise and innovation,” the Governor said. “That decision gave birth to KASEDA — which today stands as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant enterprise institutions.”
Governor Radda commended the Director-General of KASEDA, Hajiya Aisha Aminu, for her outstanding leadership, describing her as “one of the brightest examples of female public service in Nigeria today.” He noted that under her watch, KASEDA developed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan aligned with the administration’s economic blueprint.
He highlighted the Dikko Social Innovation Academy (DSIA) as one of the state’s most impactful initiatives, designed to equip young people from underserved communities with practical skills to design and implement solutions to local challenges.
Radda explained that the idea was inspired by a visit to Uganda, where three Katsina youths understudied the globally recognised Social Innovation Academy model.
“Today, I am proud to witness the graduation of our first cohort of 18 fellows who have completed six months of intensive training in social entrepreneurship, design thinking, and problem-solving,” he said.
The Governor expressed pride in the transformation of the fellows, noting that many began the programme with little confidence but are now graduating as innovators and community leaders. He assured that future cohorts would expand to accommodate more participants.
He also encouraged the Vice President to consider adopting the DSIA model nationally, describing it as “a powerful and scalable approach to youth empowerment.”
“To our graduating fellows — congratulations,” Radda said. “You are the pioneers of a new generation of changemakers. Success may not come easily, but with discipline, hard work, and faith, you will go far. The state will continue to support you.”
Governor Radda also unveiled the first Katsina MSME Awards, designed to celebrate excellence and inspire others within the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
“This award is not just about recognition — it is about motivation,” he said. “We want our youth to see that success is possible through creativity, integrity, and hard work.”
The Governor announced a car gift for the overall best MSME awardee and called on private organizations and development partners to support future editions with prizes and sponsorships.
He further highlighted the disbursement of ₦500 million to youth and women entrepreneurs, as well as a ₦542 million UNDP partnership supporting MSMEs in conflict-affected areas.
Radda also mentioned the ongoing MSME Census and Cluster Mapping Project aimed at improving planning and coordination, and the creation of the Dikko Business Development Service Corps to help entrepreneurs access finance and grow sustainably.
He thanked Vice President Shettima for extending his stay in Katsina to attend the event, describing him as “a true champion of MSMEs in Nigeria.”
The Governor added warmly, “The people of Katsina and our Kanuri brothers and sisters from Maiduguri share a long history of friendship and mutual teasing. We often say, ‘When a Kanuri man promises, he does not just keep the word — he multiplies it.’ Your Excellency, you have once again lived up to that reputation!”
He reaffirmed that his administration will continue to invest in training, innovation, and access to finance to boost productivity across all sectors.
“Tonight is about progress, partnership, and purpose. Together, we are making Katsina the home of enterprise and innovation,” he concluded.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, welcomed all guests and described the event as historic. He thanked the Vice President for his continued support for MSME growth, youth empowerment, and innovation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also praised Governor Radda’s foresight in establishing KASEDA, which led to the creation of DSIA and other life-changing initiatives turning Katsina into a growing hub for enterprise and innovation.
In her remarks, Hajiya Aisha Aminu, Director-General of KASEDA, described the occasion as “a celebration of innovation and impact.” She noted that KASEDA recently marked its second anniversary, achieving major milestones made possible by Governor Radda’s vision.
She explained that the DSIA, modelled after Uganda’s SINA network, trained 18 fellows who developed nine innovation projects in health, climate, and agriculture. The second cohort currently has 30 fellows, while the third will commence in January 2026.
Hajiya Aisha further revealed that the MSME Awards attracted over 2,000 entries, with 21 winners and five special recognition awardees selected transparently by an independent jury.
She thanked Governor Radda and Vice President Shettima for their unwavering support and reaffirmed KASEDA’s commitment to expanding MSME development, youth empowerment, and social innovation across the state.
The event attracted dignitaries including the Speaker, Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Faskari; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arch. Ahmed Dangiwa; Senator Muntari Dandutse representing Funtua Zone; and Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa.
Also in attendance were former Governors Aminu Bello Masari and Ibrahim Shehu Shema; former Borno State Governor, Col. Abdulmumini Aminu (rtd); Members of the House of Representatives — Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed (Musawa/Matazu), Hon. Aminu Balele Kurfi (Dutsinma/Kurfi), Hon. Usman Banye (Batagarawa/Charanchi/Rimi), Hon. Sada Soli (Kaita/Jibia), and Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri (Mashi/Dutsi); the National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD, Jabiru Salisu Tsauri; Members of the National and State Assemblies; Members of the State Executive Council; representatives of the Katsina and Daura Emirates; representatives of development partners; heads of MDAs; captains of industry; and entrepreneurs from across the state, among others.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Katsina State
21st October, 2025
