Katsina Governor, Dr. Radda seeks African Development Bank support to develop agriculture, renewable energy

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Katsina Governor, Dr. Dikko Radda

By our correspondent

The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, is seeking the support of the African Development Bank to develop the abundant agricultural and renewable energy resources in the State and across the Northwest geo-political region of the country.

Governor Radda stated this during a courtesy visit to the Director General, African Development Bank Group, (AfDB) Nigeria Country Department, Mr. Lamin Barrow, in Abuja, on Thursday.

The purpose of the visit was to discuss investment and intervention support to boost job creation and enhance the livelihoods of the people of Katsina State, as well as the North West Geo-political region, which comprises seven states – Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed quoted Governor Radda as saying , “We particularly need the Bank’s help to address the State’s infrastructure deficit, such as power. Also, we recognise the fact that renewable energy remains a critical infrastructure necessary for achieving higher economic growth in Katsina state, and across the North West geo-political region. That is what necessitated my visit to the Nigeria Country Office of the African Development Bank to seek their support and strengthen the existing partnership. The northwest governors have unanimously agreed to collaborate with the African Development Bank in the areas of agriculture and power which requires a regional approach.”

The Governor also requested the Bank’s support for the development of key agricultural value chains, including cotton, rice and wheat, and agricultural extension services that would help create jobs for the youth. He thanked the management of the Bank for the audience and looked forward to a cordial relationship with the bank.

In his remarks, the Director General, Nigeria Department of the African Development Bank Group,
Mr Lamin Barrow, thanked the Governor for his engagement with the AfDB early in his mandate as DG SMEDAN. He expressed appreciation for the Governor’s visit and vision for transforming the fortunes of Katsina state. He assured the Governor of the Bank’s support in the identified areas, particularly in the context of the ongoing and planned new operations.

Mr. Barrow said, “On behalf of the African Development Bank, I want to congratulate Dr. Dikko Radda on his election as the Executive Governor of Katsina State, and to commend him for the clear vision he has articulated for the State during our meeting, prioritising regional approaches and interventions that will drive inclusive growth.