Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, says the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu have improved the financial capacity of state governments, enabling them to execute development projects and meet salary and pension obligations without depending on loans.
Radda said his administration in Katsina had completed projects valued at over N30 billion without borrowing, describing the development as a reflection of prudent resource management and improved government finances.
The governor spoke on Sunday at the Tinubu/Dikko Assured 2027 Islamiyya Teachers’ Empowerment Programme, alongside the inauguration of a school and the virtual inauguration of 45 solar-powered streetlights in Katsina.
According to him, Katsina State is no longer relying on loans to finance projects across key sectors, while also meeting its obligations to workers and pensioners.
“Today, there is no sector where we are taking a loan to execute a single project in Katsina State. We are paying pensions and meeting our obligations to the people of Katsina,” Radda said.
He recalled that the situation was different in the past when the state had to depend on borrowing to meet some of its basic obligations, including the payment of workers’ salaries.
Radda said the performance of any government should be judged by its ability to deliver on promises and produce measurable results rather than political rhetoric.
“Once leaders make promises to the people, they have a responsibility to fulfil those promises. Leadership is built on trust, not deception,” he said.
The governor attributed the improved capacity of states to the reforms and policies of the Tinubu administration, particularly the push for greater financial autonomy for local governments.
“President Tinubu’s reforms and support have helped states deliver projects, pay salaries and pensions as and when due. These reforms particularly include local government financial autonomy,” he added.
Radda also commended the Tinubu/Dikko Assured initiative for focusing on grassroots development and supporting Islamiyya teachers.
As part of the empowerment programme, he announced a personal donation of N10,000 each to 690 beneficiaries, amounting to N6.9 million, which he rounded up to N7 million.
The governor called on individuals, organisations and philanthropists to support government efforts, noting that the government alone could not provide all the interventions needed to transform communities.
He also warned against misinformation, saying citizens should not allow false narratives and political interests to overshadow genuine development efforts.
Radda challenged political aspirants to move beyond criticism and present clear and practical plans for addressing the challenges confronting Nigerians.
Earlier, former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, said political leaders must place the welfare and development of the people above personal and political interests.
Masari argued that the achievements of both President Tinubu and Governor Radda were visible, insisting that anyone who refused to acknowledge them was being hypocritical.
“Anyone who ignores the achievements of President Tinubu and Governor Radda is being hypocritical,” he said.
He pointed to major infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Federal Government, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other strategic road projects, saying improved infrastructure would boost economic activities, create opportunities and strengthen agricultural development.
The former governor also cited improvements on the Kaduna-Abuja Road as an example of what effective leadership could achieve.
In his remarks, the Director-General of Tinubu/Dikko Assured, Umar Zayyad, said the organisation had expanded its intervention programmes to support Islamiyya teachers and other beneficiaries.
Zayyad said the initiative was inspired by President Tinubu’s leadership and recalled that the President had expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Radda administration during his visit to Katsina.
He also highlighted the Katsina State Government’s claim of executing projects worth over N30 billion without borrowing and urged residents to continue supporting government programmes aimed at improving the lives of the people.
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