Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has disbursed ₦102 million as seed capital to 102 graduates of the revived Songhai Comprehensive Centre, in what he described as “a turning point in the history of agriculture in Katsina State.”
The presentation, held on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of Muhammadu Buhari House, saw each graduate receive ₦1 million, a notable increase from the earlier ₦300,000 package. The beneficiaries, three drawn from each of the state’s 34 local government areas, had completed six months of intensive training in poultry, fishery, crop production, soil science, livestock management, market gardening, and biogas technology.
Governor Radda highlighted that over 19,000 farmers have directly benefitted from various input and asset support programs rolled out by his administration. He urged the graduates to apply the funds judiciously, describing it as “seed capital that will grow, create jobs, and transform communities if managed with discipline.”
Outlining ongoing reforms, the governor recalled the 2023 dry season farming initiative that distributed free improved seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and 8,000 solar-powered irrigation machines to farmers. He added that in 2024, 722 agricultural extension workers were trained and deployed to all 361 wards, each with motorcycles and equipment to support rural farmers.
The governor further enumerated mechanisation efforts which include the supply of 4,000 power tillers, 4,000 solar irrigation pumps, 400 tractors, 1,000 planters, and 10 combine harvesters. He also noted the distribution of 20,000 metric tons of subsidised fertilizer at ₦20,000 per bag, alongside improved seeds and agrochemicals sold at half the market price — an initiative he said was “the first of its kind by any Nigerian state.”
Women and medium-scale farmers, he explained, benefitted from a goat multiplication programme, with 3,610 women receiving four goats each, and 361 farmers supported with 50 goats each.
Looking ahead, Governor Radda announced that the next batch of Songhai training will cover 361 participants — one from each ward — to ensure grassroots inclusion across all communities.
He also revealed plans to establish rural farm settlements with schools, health centres, veterinary clinics, housing, and hostels to develop modern farming communities. Cotton production, he added, has been revived with improved seeds to strengthen the value chain and restore the crop’s place in the state economy.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Ahmed Bakori, described the event as “not just the completion of a training programme, but the beginning of a new chapter in Katsina’s agricultural transformation.” He praised the governor for placing youth at the centre of wealth creation and food security policies.
The Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, represented by Majority Leader Hon. Shamsudeen Abubakar Dabai, urged the graduates to apply their skills meaningfully. ALGON Deputy Chairman and Danja LGA Chairman, Rabo Tambaya, also pledged the support of all 34 local government chairmen.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Umar Mukhtar promised their commitment to enhancing food production and job creation for the progress of Katsina State.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, Principal Private Secretary Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs Usman Abba Jaye, and other top officials, alongside hundreds of trainees and guests.
