A new wave of agricultural revolution is sweeping through Katsina State as 34 young Nigerians trained in advanced tractor and planter assembly emerge as the face of Governor Dikko Radda’s bold vision for self-reliance, productivity, and innovation in the sector.
In a press briefing held in Abuja, Ambassador Bernard Oshi, President of Ben 10 Equipments Inc., hailed the initiative as a “game-changing blueprint” for youth empowerment and agricultural transformation, declaring Governor Radda “the kind of leader Nigeria desperately needs.”
“These young men now hold the keys to industrial growth. They’re not just assembling machines—they’re building the future of Nigerian agriculture,” Oshi said, referring to the intensive one-month technical training completed by youths from all local government areas in Katsina.
The training is part of a landmark partnership between Ben 10 Equipments Inc. and China’s Woeka Equipment Company, which jointly established a tractor assembly plant in Katsina State—one of the first of its kind in northern Nigeria.
Executive Director of Woeka, Mr. Williams Xui, described the collaboration with Governor Radda’s administration as “one of the most seamless and forward-thinking” the company has experienced in Africa.
“We were genuinely impressed by the eagerness and technical adaptability of these young people. Their performance gives us hope that sustainable, locally-led industrialization is not only possible but already underway,” Xui remarked.
Xui also announced an upcoming solar-powered irrigation initiative covering over 200 hectares, designed to combat seasonal farming challenges and bolster year-round productivity.
“Our proposed pivot-based solar-lift irrigation system is aimed at transforming dry season farming, and we are committed to completing this within five months,” he said.
Governor Radda has made agriculture the centerpiece of his administration’s economic agenda, being the first governor in Nigeria’s current democratic cycle to declare a state of emergency on agriculture. His administration is focused on job creation, food security, and modernizing farming through technology and international cooperation.
“Dr. Radda is relentless in pursuit of progress. His clarity of purpose, combined with deep grassroots engagement, is what sets him apart,” said Ambassador Oshi.
Oshi also credited Katsina’s Ministry of Agriculture and its commissioner for playing a critical role in the implementation of these reforms.
Beyond infrastructure, Radda’s strategy includes using development as a tool to combat insecurity—by empowering citizens with jobs, education, and ownership of their futures.
“This isn’t just governance—it’s nation-building. What we’re witnessing is a powerful model for peace through progress,” Oshi added.
The event concluded with strong calls for continued partnership and a future where more states follow Katsina’s lead.
“Katsina is no longer on the sidelines of national development—it is now at the center,” Oshi affirmed. “And with leaders like Dr. Radda, Nigeria’s tomorrow looks promising.”
