News from Nasarawa
8 Takeaways from Governor Dikko Radda’s Investment Shuttles to 7 Countries
By Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
He is on a mission to restore the beautiful, enchanting and unrivalled glories of Katsina State, which were lost several years ago. For Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, the narrative of Katsina needs to be overhauled, and in no distant time.
Barely six months after he assumed office, Mallam Dikko Radda has left no stone unturned in his avowed quest to rewrite the Katsina story, in a style that is intellectually captivating, eye catching and fantastically mind blowing.
Aside from performing groundbreaking inaugurations of vital capital projects, the Radda administration has equally unveiled programmes and policies aimed at enhancing the living standards and welfare of teeming Katsina masses.
Taking into cognizance the reality that Katsina is richly endowed not only with abundant natural resources, but tremendous human capital, His Excellency, in the last three months, led a delegation of top government functionaries of the state government to the United Kingdom, Turkiye Republic, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, Cote D’Ivoire, South Korea and the United States of America.
The trips were aimed at forging business partnerships and also woo potential investors to Katsina state. Below are the takeaways from Governor Radda’s official expeditions to the seven aforementioned nations.
1. Enhanced Capacity for Good Governance*
About three months ago, Governor Dikko Radda, together with some of his first-term colleague Governors participated in a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-sponsored retreat for select members of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), in Rwanda.
The retreat was aimed at boosting the capacity of the participating governors in piloting the affairs of their respective states, in a way that will foster good governance and purposeful leadership. It is as certain as daybreak that Governor Radda, in the wake of the retreat, has broadened his horizon on what is expected of any governor steering the affairs of a Nigerian state, especially at a critical juncture Nigeria finds itself.
2. Move to Better Katsina’s Health Sector
In far away Turkiye, Governor Dikko Radda after the Kigali retreat for the NGF members, visited Submed Medical Equipment Factory. At the factory, he discussed partnership with the Turkish firm’s management, aimed at revamping Katsina’s Health sector.
It is apt to assert that the administration of Mallam Radda is working painstakingly to provide better access to higher quality healthcare services and improve health system resilience, towards building the functionality needed to attain universal health coverage.
*3. Getting AFDB’s Support for North West’s Growth*
Leading a delegation of Nigerian governors from states in the North West to the corporate headquarters of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in October, Governor Dikko Radda solicited the bank’s intervention for North West’s accelerated development and economic growth, through harnessing the potential of the region’s agricultural and power sectors.
He specifically requested the aid of AfDB to expand irrigation facilities in the region. Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of AfDB, in his remarks, said: Our AfDB has agreed to sponsor a regional cooperation desk to support the North Western states as they embark on a regional approach to development”.
*4. Katsina Gets 10 Containers of Medical Supplies, MRIs, Others*
Following Governor Dikko Radda’s visit to the Headquarters of the World Medical Relief (WMR) Incorporation in Detroit, Michigan, United States, Katsina State has now gotten 10 containers of medical supplies and equipment donated by WMR.
The 10 containers of medical supplies worth $10 million will be delivered to the state as from January 2024. While speaking at the WMR’s headquarters, Governor Radda lauded the US organisation for providing support to Katsina under its ‘Partnership for Health Program’.
Responding, President of WMR, Mr. George Samson, disclosed that their organisation is committed to helping Katsina source state-of-the-art MRI equipment and CT Scans, at discount prices, while also offering to install them and train Katsina technicians on proper handling/operation of the equipment, among other pledges.
*5. Katsina Builds Network with all UK Varsities*
Sometime in August, Governor Dikko Radda visited the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge, United Kingdom, to forge an international collaboration with the Institute. The visit was aimed at making Katsina State a Centre of Excellence in healthcare delivery, and a go-to destination for solutions to all kinds of infectious diseases.
It is germane to posit that all United Kingdom (UK) Universities, including the London School of Hygiene, Oxford University, and Cambridge University, among others are partnering with the Sanger Institute to conduct high impact research. Therefore, Katsina’s collaboration with the Wellcome Sanger Institute is like building a network with all UK Universities.
*6. Katsina Offers Natural Resources to Saudi Investors*
Also, Governor Dikko Radda, about three weeks ago, informed a cross section of business moguls and top private sector players in Saudi Arabia that Katsina state is endowed with assorted agricultural and mineral resources, which they can invest in.
He said that there is now an enabling environment for business investments to safely thrive in the State, as the recently-launched Katsina State Community Watch together with personnel of other conventional security agencies have curbed the threats of insecurity in the state.
Governor Radda spoke with journalists on the sideline of the Saudi-Nigeria Roundtable Meeting in Riyadh, held last month. He said: “Katsina State is also endowed with various mineral resources such as Lithium, Gold, Diamond and even Uranium. Your investments in the agricultural and mineral resources’ sectors of our dear State, will no doubt ensure the prosperity of our people. But more importantly, you shall also benefit greatly from your investments.
“We, as a sub-national government, assure you that your safety and wellbeing, by the time you come and invest in our dear Katsina, will not be compromised. It is in fact a top priority for us”.
*7. South Korean Agency Develops Framework for Agro Project in Katsina*
Towards accelerating the socio-economic development of Katsina state, Governor Dikko Radda recently held a fruitful bilateral discussion with Seamuel Foundation, a South Korean government organisation. Two Katsina communities namely Makera and Raddawa villages of Matazu and Dutsinma Local Governments have once benefitted from the humanitarian support of the foundation.
The foundation has so far constructed irrigation facilities and introduced modern techniques of farming practice, as well as provision of implements to Katsina farmers. Governor Radda, while speaking with the management of the foundation during an official trip to South Korea, requested for the extra funding and expansion of the project scope to cover many Katsina communities.
In their response, the management of the foundation agreed to continue working in Katsina. They also pledged to jointly develop a framework for the operationalization of the extension, and expansion of the project as requested by Governor Radda.
*8. KOICA Pledges Support for Katsina’s Rural Development*
Similarly, Governor Dikko Radda, penultimate Monday, visited the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for a partnership agreement between KOICA and the Katsina State Government. Governor Radda was accompanied to KOICA corporate head office, by the acting Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea, Mr. Ferdinand O. Nwonye, where he discussed his experience with KOICA and the time he spent at their facility in 2016, as the Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN.
He requested additional support from KOICA in the area of the provision of small farming implements and small-scale irrigation technologies to Katsina farmers. During the meeting,
Governor Radda also solicited KOICA’s support in the training and development of ICT for the state civil service, as well as the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA), among others.
Responding, the KOICA management assured Governor Radda that they will work with their country office in Nigeria to support Katsina state.
Kaula Mohammed is the Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the Katsina State Governor.
**State to get Over N1 Billion in FG Allocation from Solid Minerals
By Abel Abel, Lafia
The longstanding dispute between the Nasarawa mining community and two mining companies has been resolved by a federal government agency under the Ministry of Solid Minerals.
The resolution was announced yesterday in Lafia by the Ministry of Solid Minerals during a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House.
The Minister of Solid Minerals, represented by Mr. Obadiah Nkom, Director General of the Cadastre Office in Abuja, disclosed that the ministry had submitted a report on the conflict between the mining companies and the Nasarawa State government.
The report detailed the resolution, which included the allocation of 70 hectares of disputed land for mining activities, with 30.4 hectares allocated to the state government.
Mr. Nkom explained that the decision to share the site was made by a committee established to resolve the issue, and he expressed hope that all parties would adhere to the agreement to ensure peaceful coexistence.
Furthermore, Mr. Nkom announced that Nasarawa State has been chosen to host the 6th Council of Mining and Mineral Resources Development meeting in September this year.
The meeting, approved by the Federal Executive Council, is part of the roadmap for the growth of the mining industry.
It aims to engage stakeholders, significantly increase the mining sector’s contribution to the global GDP, and create a globally competitive sector capable of generating jobs and offering competitive shares to all stakeholders across the mining value chain.
The minister also acknowledged the achievements of Nasarawa State in the mineral sector, highlighted by the groundbreaking event of a Lithium Processing Industry in Nasarawa Local Government Area, the largest of its kind in the world.
He noted that the state is becoming an investment hub for mineral and other businesses, thanks to the business-friendly climate created by the current administration’s policies and programs.
As a result of these achievements, Nasarawa State has joined the ranks of four states earning over a billion naira from federal government allocations related to solid mineral royalties.
In response, Governor Abdullahi Sule commended the Ministry of Mining for resolving the conflict and assured that the 1.5 cadastre unit area allocated to the state would be used transparently to develop the host community.
He also expressed gratitude to the federal government for choosing Nasarawa State to host the 6th National Council of Mining and Mineral Resources Development meeting, noting that the event will attract more investors to the state, which is rich in mineral resources.
News from Nasarawa
Sule promises to establish facilities mentanance Agency to tackle poor maintenance culture
In a move to address poor maintenance culture, Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has announced plans to establish a Facilities Management Agency to maintain infrastructure developed during his administration, highlighting the need for sustainability.
This announcement was made at an induction ceremony hosted by the Institute of Global Facilities Management, where the governor was represented by Alhaji Abubakar Odah Akum, who received an Honorary Fellow award.
The Institute’s President, Omachi Jonah, emphasized the importance of such an agency, citing examples from Kaduna and Lagos, and noted it would address issues related to poor maintenance culture in the state.
The governor expressed support for the initiative and sought collaboration with the Institute.
The event also recognized various dignitaries and inducted new members from the Federal Polytechnic and other fields.
Awards, including plaques and certificates, were presented to the honorees.
From Abel Daniel, Lafia
The Nasarawa state government has vowed to put an end to illegal mining activities of any king in the State, asserting that those found culpable will be dealt with decisively in line with the law.
The commissioner of environment and natural resources, Mr. Yakubu Kwanta gave the indication on Wednesday in Lafia, following a claim by a mining entity against the Nasarawa State Government.
He said,
“The attention of the Nasarawa State Government is drawn to a press conference on Friday last week in Jos by one Mr. Tim Eldon of Trimadix Geomin Consult Limited accusing the Nasarawa
State Government of undue interference in their mining operations in the State, particularly, in Kokona Local Government.
“You would recall that on the 19th of April, 2024, which is exactly two months today, the Nasarawa State Government took a bold step to secure the Amba Community
from the activities of illegal miners that has become a threat to the peace and security of the community and its environs.
Mr. Kwanta stated that the action followed a petition from the community chief on illegal minning activities in his domain without a proper clearance
The commissioner however noted that there is an existing
Executive Order No. 02 of 2022 which was signed into Law by governor Abdullahi Sule, which particularly, provides that “all community consent and development agreement made pursuant to Section 116
of the Mineral and Mining Act, 2007 and prior to signing by authenticated community heads shall be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice through the Ministry of Environment and natural resources to be vetted and certified by the Attorney
General of Nasarawa State”.
Mr Kwanta cautioned all intending or illegal miners in the state to ensure they obey the Executive Order which provides that all mining entities arriving the State with authority of the Federal Government to carry out mining in the State must undergo
checks by the Ministry responsible for environment and mining and other security agencies in the State to verify their legal status, citizenship and background before settlement.
He also noted that the ministry under his supervision has carried out series of robust engagements and mass sensitisation to bring to the knowledge of stakeholders in the mining sector operating in the state of the regulatory provisions of the Executive Order No. 02 of 2022 to promote security and safeguard the environment.
While reinstating the commitment of the state government promoting
investment opportunities and the growth of businesses for economic development and poverty reduction, He warned that Government would not compromise its determination to rid the State of illegal mining activities that put the life of the people and the safety of communities in danger.
“We are committed to the full
enforcement of the Executive Order to ensure that our State is safe and communities are protected from exploitation by mining entities.
The commissioner however said that “the so-called mining entity claiming to be licenced to carry out mining activities in Amba community is not known to the Nasarawa State Government according to the provisions of the Executive Order No. 02 of 2022.
He vowed that the mining site remains closed and secured until responsible investors who are trusted by the community and the State, through a proper consenting, are licenced to mine in the area.
“The Nasarawa State Government will continue to watch closely any further development in that mining site, as well as any other place with similar occurrence that is against the interest of peace in the
State and deal decisively with any violator.
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