Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has highlighted his administration’s reforms in traditional institutions, improved welfare of Islamic scholars and grassroots security, while seeking traditional rulers’ continued support and prayers for the Tinubu–Dikko 2027 political project.
The Governor made this appeal during an engagement with the District Head of Mahuta, Alhaji Bello Abdulkadir, Danejin Katsina, and other traditional leaders in Kafur Local Government Area.
Radda said visiting traditional rulers before political campaigns was an established tradition of seeking their blessings, guidance and prayers.
“Whenever we embark on political campaigns and elections, our first point of call is our traditional rulers and community elders. We come to seek their blessings and prayers for the success of our activities,” he said.
He explained that his administration had introduced structured support for Islamic scholars, stressing that their contributions to religious education and community development deserved institutional recognition.
“Our Islamic scholars should not be treated as people who merely receive tokens for leading prayers, teaching or preaching. They deserve dignity, consistent support and recognition,” he stated.
The Governor also highlighted the Community Development Programmes (CDPs), designed to strengthen traditional institutions and empower district and village heads to support grassroots security, peace and community development.
“Our traditional rulers are closest to the people and understand their challenges. These programmes are intended to strengthen their capacity to maintain peace and security in their communities,” he noted.
He sought continued cooperation from traditional rulers and political stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the Tinubu–Dikko project as a collective undertaking.
Earlier, the District Head of Mahuta, Alhaji Bello Abdulkadir, Danejin Katsina, praised Governor Radda’s administration for strengthening local government financial autonomy and improving the welfare of traditional and religious institutions.
Drawing on his political experience since 1999, including his service during the administration of the late Governor Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, he said he had witnessed successive governments without seeing leadership comparable to the present administration.
“I have witnessed different administrations since the beginning of this democratic dispensation. I was among those selected and sworn into political office during the administration of the late Governor Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. From then until now, I have not witnessed leadership comparable to what we are experiencing under your administration,” he said.
He recalled that financial support for certain religious responsibilities, previously about ₦200, had increased to millions of naira, describing the development as a significant improvement in the recognition of traditional and religious institutions.
The Danejin Katsina, however, appealed for an office complex for the district administration, noting that despite his 27 years of political involvement, he lacked a suitable office structure.
“We appeal to Your Excellency to assist us with an office complex to provide a suitable working environment for the district administration and improve our service to the people,” he requested.
Also, Kafur Local Government Chairman, Hon. Surajo Bature, assured the Governor of the people’s continued support for the APC, while commending his administration’s interventions in infrastructure and social welfare.
“Whenever we bring matters requiring government attention to your notice, you have demonstrated readiness to respond. We appreciate these interventions and assure Your Excellency that the people of Kafur remain firmly behind your administration,” he said.
The delegation included Deputy Governor, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe; Director-General of the Tinubu–Dikko Campaign Council, Arch. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa; APC State Chairman, Dr. Bishir Gambo Saulawa; Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; and other government officials, political leaders and campaign council members.
