Kashim Shettima commends Katsina leadership for driving innovation, youth enterprise, and unity aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Kashim Shettima commends Katsina leadership for its inspiring strides in innovation, youth empowerment, and enterprise development, describing the state as a rising beacon of creativity and resilience in Northern Nigeria.
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The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, made the remarks on Monday during the graduation of the Dikko Social Innovation Academy and the maiden edition of the Katsina MSME Awards and Dinner held at the Government House Banquet Hall.
Praising Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s administration, Shettima said the state’s renewed focus on learning, trade, and craftsmanship echoes Katsina’s historic legacy as a centre of scholarship and commerce.
He recounted the intellectual prominence of Katsina, citing Sheikh Mohammed Bello’s Usul Siyasa as a notable governance text written for the Emir of Katsina long before colonial influence.
He further referenced Katsina’s educational pedigree, highlighting the role of the former Katsina College — later Barewa College — in producing some of Nigeria’s most distinguished leaders.
“Sheikh Bello’s thoughts still echo in the soul of this place,” Shettima said, adding, “The creative spirit of Katsina’s people — its artisans, farmers, and young innovators — remains strong and deeply rooted.”
The Vice President called for accelerated industrialisation, urging stakeholders to convert local raw materials like cotton and millet into thriving industries that create jobs and broaden economic inclusion.
He lauded the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) as a model for grassroots economic transformation.
According to Shettima, the agency’s support for MSMEs aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a tangible instrument for progress.
Beyond economics, the Vice President commended Governor Radda’s efforts in uniting traditional and political leaders across party lines.
He stressed the need for collective focus on combating insecurity and poverty, remarking, “We have no business fighting each other.”
In a moment of levity, Shettima added, “The Governor resembles me more than anyone else in this room,” drawing laughter from attendees.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda reiterated his commitment to transforming lives through enterprise. “When we came into office, we made a deliberate decision to empower people through innovation,” he said.
“That decision gave birth to KASEDA, now one of Nigeria’s most vibrant enterprise institutions.”
Describing the evening as a celebration of resilience and promise, Radda pledged continued support for Katsina’s young entrepreneurs and innovators.
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Shettima concluded by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the people of Katsina, calling the state “home — a land of history, unity, and great promise.”
