In a decisive move to strengthen grassroots governance and boost agricultural productivity, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, has flagged off the distribution of 1,100 motorcycles to Community Development Programme (CDP) officers and commissioned advanced irrigation machinery for deployment across the state.
The event marks a significant milestone in the Radda administration’s commitment to people-centered development, with emphasis on improving service delivery at the ward level and expanding irrigation infrastructure to enhance food security and economic growth.
The motorcycles are being distributed to Community Development Officers, Community Support Officers, and Community Learning Officers who serve as the frontline link between government and communities. Their duties include community mobilization, supervision of government projects, and monitoring of development interventions. To promote responsibility and sustainability, the motorcycles are being provided under a 50 percent subsidized hire-purchase scheme with repayment spread over five years. The Governor emphasized that the motorcycles are strictly for official duties and that any misuse, including sale or unauthorized disposal, will attract sanctions in line with Civil Service Rules.
As part of efforts to revolutionize agriculture and promote year-round farming, the Governor also commissioned six modern tube-well drilling machines and three wheel air compressors. The equipment will expand access to groundwater for irrigation farmers, reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and support dry-season farming across all local government areas of the state.
The intervention builds on the earlier distribution of 4,000 solar-powered irrigation pumps and is complemented by expanded support to wards with irrigation sites. The administration has continued the provision of essential farm support inputs, including water pumps, sprayers, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, to boost productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Nasir Yahya described the initiative as a clear demonstration of the executive and legislative arms working together to deliver practical development to the people. He noted that empowering frontline officers and farmers would strengthen oversight, enhance accountability, and translate policies into tangible benefits at the community level.
The Chairman of Katsina Local Government Area, Hon Isah Miqdad AD Saude speaking on behalf of local government chairmen, commended the Governor for prioritizing grassroots development. He stated that the provision of mobility for CDP officers would significantly improve coordination between state and local governments and ensure that development projects reach even the most remote communities.
The Commissioner for Agriculture highlighted that the newly commissioned irrigation equipment represents a major boost to the state’s agricultural transformation agenda. He explained that the machines would expand irrigable land, support dry-season farming, and contribute to increased food production, job creation, and income generation for farmers across the state.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of the Community Development Programme, Dr Kamal Kabir noted that the initiative would enhance community engagement, improve project monitoring, and strengthen transparency in the implementation of government interventions. He explained that improved mobility and expanded irrigation support would enable CDP officers to better serve communities and ensure sustainability of development projects.
Some beneficiaries of the motorcycles and agricultural inputs expressed appreciation to the state government, noting that the support would make their work more effective and improve their livelihoods. They pledged to use the equipment responsibly and in line with government guidelines to serve their communities and boost agricultural productivity.
Governor Radda reaffirmed that the initiative forms part of an integrated development strategy that combines improved mobility for frontline officers with expanded irrigation capacity and sustained agricultural input support. He emphasized that the approach is designed to empower communities, strengthen food security, and stimulate inclusive economic growth across Katsina State.
The Governor commended the Ministry of Agriculture, the Katsina State Irrigation Development Authority, the State House of Assembly, local governments, and Community Development Programme partners for their dedication and commitment to advancing the state’s development agenda and reinforcing Katsina State’s identity as the Home of Heritage and Hospitality.
