Giant strides made by individuals are usually celebrated with pomp and pageantry. While some mark milestones with glass clinking, others keep breakthroughs low-key, yet all are in praise and anticipation of a better future. In such momentous instances, the success story often overshadows the arduous hurdles and obstacles accompanying such feats. Naturally, some people excel in various aspects of life; they stand out in their ventures, shine a light, and shape their environment and the world.
Such individuals of unique poise are celebrated everywhere, an action that encourages them to reach their peak, thereby serving as an impetus to the younger generation. How else can one describe a super administrator and grassroots mobilizer, Governor Mallam Umaru Dikko Radda, PhD, of Katsina State, as he celebrates his 55th birthday?
Radda perfectly embodies the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, who postulated, “To be yourself in a world that is trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” A man whose accomplishments surpass his stature, Radda is known for his lofty ideals, humility, and generosity. He paradoxically maintains a simple philosophy of life and a straightforward approach to challenges.
The Katsina Governor’s undisputed wit and oratory power are legendary. He is a bastion of stability who has brought progress and global attention to Katsina State. He has propelled the state forward in an unprecedented manner through his visionary leadership. He has also demonstrated a high sense of integrity, courage, confidence, determination, honesty, and sincerity of purpose in leading the state to greater heights.
Mr. Radda graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, in 1996. He obtained two Master’s Degrees in Agricultural Extension and International Affairs and Diplomacy, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, all from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, between 1998 and 2015. A former teacher, banker, and local government chairman, Mr. Radda was, prior to his appointment as DG SMEDAN, the chief of staff to the governor of Katsina State.
As an astute leader, Dikko is one of the few individuals who display exceptional strides in education, health, agriculture, and women/youth empowerment through his Gwagware Foundation.
Dynamic Dikko, as he is fondly called by his admirers, combines rare academic capability with administrative and organizational ability. This is evident in many strategic administrative positions he has held and the challenges he has overcome in public service, which he has discharged efficiently.
He is genuinely believed to possess the traits of pedigree, integrity, and the capacity to drive the state through a pathway of phenomenal positive transformation to a future where it will earnestly reflect the manifesto: “BUILDING THE FUTURE OF KATSINA STATE.”
Mallam Radda has transformed the state into a hub of activity. He has given the Katsina people a new sense of identity—one based on the “can-do” spirit and a deep appreciation of their place in the Nigerian scheme of things. He has shown that government can indeed be a force for good and that a people’s spirit can be uplifted and their dreams can soar above and beyond conventional thoughts and beliefs.
The level of infrastructural development, road networks, education transformation, and numerous other people-centric initiatives that dot the landscape have won him plaudits and acclaim both at home and abroad.
Security is one of the main pillars of the Governor Dikko Radda-led administration. In the last 16 months, he has invested in providing the necessary equipment to the security agencies to carry out their duties in the state. The government has also employed various strategies to tackle security challenges in Katsina State, including initiating measures for more effective intelligence gathering and policing the entry and exit points of the state. He established the Katsina State Community Watch with 1,466 trained personnel and invested over N10 billion in security infrastructure.
In healthcare, he has overseen the construction of a new dialysis center and upgraded several health facilities. In education, his approval of 75 new secondary schools and the recruitment of over 7,000 classroom teachers are notable achievements.
Governor Mallam Umaru Dikko Radda’s quick wins since May 29, 2023, clearly demonstrate a great sense of responsibility, exceptional courage, sincerity of purpose, and diligent service to Katsina State, distinguishing him as a worthy icon of rare breed, permanently etched in the annals of creative and legendary leadership as he turns 55 years old.
Comrades Gafia and Dansardauna wrote in from Kofar Kaura, Katsina State.
