Katsina embraces new e-Governance initiatives to drive development as Governor Radda inaugurates ICT Directorate

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Governor Radda, right, being shown something of interest at the event

By Mohammed Nuraddeen Yahaya, Katsina

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Ph.D. has officially commissioned the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (KATDICT) office building at the Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management.

This marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards embracing digital innovation and modernizing its technological infrastructure.

This was contained in a statement by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor.

During the commissioning Friday, Governor Radda unveiled four key projects designed to spearhead Katsina’s digital transformation. These initiatives reflect a comprehensive strategy aimed at:

• Enhancing connectivity: The Katsina Broadband Masterplan will strive to achieve 100% broadband penetration across the state, fostering economic growth and improved communication.
• Fostering data-driven governance: The Katsina Data Revolution Masterplan prioritizes data collection and analysis to inform effective decision-making at all levels of government.
• Improving public service delivery: The GovDev Masterplan focuses on modernizing government processes with advanced technology, aiming to increase efficiency, enhance service standards, and improve accessibility for citizens.

These projects are further guided by the KATDICT Strategic Blueprint. Its comprehensive plan outlines Governor Radda’s digital transformation strategy for 2023-2027, providing a clear roadmap for the state’s digital future.

In his address, Governor Radda commended Naufal Ahmad,
the Director-General of KATDICT for driving the project to completion.

He emphasized the importance of young leadership in government, stating, “The past 10 months have been a testament to the value of young people in strategic positions. They bring innovation and dynamic skills to their roles, and their dedication is evident in this achievement.”

Citing the success of the FAGO PAY initiative, Governor Radda pointed out that since its launch in October 2023, it has facilitated over N1billion (approximately $730 million) in transactions.

This initiative demonstrates the potential of e-governance to deliver tangible benefits for the people of Katsina.

Governor Radda pledged his administration’s continued support for the Katsina ICT Directorate.

He encouraged FAGO PAY to collaborate with the Katsina State Development Agency (KASEDA) to explore ways to simplify account opening procedures for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Governor Radda reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to ICT and digital transformation. He concluded by stating, “In today’s world, digital technologies are essential. We are dedicated to integrating these technologies into every aspect of our operations to deliver efficient and effective services to the people of Katsina.”

Earlier, Naufal Ahmad, the Director General of KATDICT spoke about the ongoing efforts to equip civil servants with the digital skills necessary to operate the new technologies effectively.

Additionally, Mr. Ahmad assured the public of full internet connectivity across the state by the end of 2027.

He also detailed the 12 different policies and guidelines established to ensure that ICT advancements benefit all citizens of Katsina.