KatsinaTimes | 19 November 2025
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has sealed a series of strategic agreements with the government of Belarus aimed at strengthening technology education, upgrading security operations, and modernising the state’s agricultural sector.
During a four-day working visit to Minsk, Governor Radda held high-level meetings with senior Belarusian officials and signed cooperation pacts covering education, defence, agriculture, and information technology.
A key highlight of the visit was the governor’s tour of the Hi-Tech Park in Minsk, regarded as one of Eastern Europe’s most successful technology hubs. The Park is celebrated for its investor-friendly policies, strong talent pipeline, and legal frameworks that encourage rapid tech innovation—factors that have transformed it into a catalyst for economic growth and youth employment.
According to the Governor, Katsina aims to adopt similar strategies to build a competitive technology ecosystem that attracts investment, supports start-ups, and expands digital skills among young people.
Governor Radda also visited Beltech Export Company, a leading ICT centre in Eastern Europe, where he explored opportunities for advanced training of Katsina youths. Officials informed the delegation that several past trainees have gone on to become global technology entrepreneurs.
“These discussions align with our commitment to creating jobs, expanding digital capacity, and positioning Katsina as one of Nigeria’s most forward-looking states,” the governor stated.
At a meeting with the Belarusian Minister of Education, Governor Radda secured scholarship slots for Katsina students in artificial intelligence, robotics, drone technology, and agricultural engineering. Belarus also agreed to establish Training of Trainers programmes for instructors in Katsina institutions, including the Youth Craft Village.
The governor said the initiative would help the state build a pool of highly skilled technical experts who can support emerging industries. “Developing local talent is essential for creating long-term economic opportunities across the state,” he noted.
In the defence sector, Governor Radda visited key Belarusian security institutions including the Minsk Security Institute, the Centre for Border Security and Special Forces Training, and the State Authority for Military Industry (LEMT), the Belarusian equivalent of Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation.
The Ministry of Defence agreed to provide comprehensive training for the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC), including advanced counter-insurgency and border security techniques. The Corps will also benefit from modernised security equipment and gadgets.
The delegation further met with the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lukashevich, who approved visa access for Katsina youths pursuing studies in Belarus and reaffirmed Belarus’ commitment to technology transfer and other bilateral opportunities.
At the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the governor negotiated plans to upgrade Katsina’s agricultural equipment and support the adoption of modern farming technologies. Belarus also agreed to supply improved cattle breeds and advanced husbandry models to boost livestock productivity.
Governor Radda described the visit as part of his administration’s long-term strategy to build a knowledge-based economy driven by skills, innovation, and global partnerships.
Officials on the trip included the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu; Executive Director, Katsina Development Management Board, Ruqayya Hamza Usman; Director-General of the Directorate of ICT, Naufal Ahmed; and the Coordinator of the Agricultural Development Unit, Dr. Suleiman Umar.
Photo: Gov Radda
