Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has been honoured by the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economists (NAAE) for what the Association described as his “remarkable and measurable contributions to agricultural development and food systems reform in Nigeria.
”The award was first announced at the Association’s 25th Annual Conference, held from 14th to 16th October 2025 at the Balarabe Tanimu Hall, Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru–Zaria.
The Honourable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Ahmed Mohammed Bakori, presented the plaque to Governor Radda on behalf of the NAAE, at Government house Katsina.
Speaking during the presentation, Professor Bakori said the honour reflects “a clear national acknowledgment of the Governor’s bold reforms and his focus on building a modern, technology-led agricultural sector”.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Governor Chief Press secretary Ibrahim kaula Muhammad issued to newsmen.
According to him, Governor Radda efforts demonstrate “a leadership style that places farmers, innovation and long-term food security at the centre of development.”Governor Radda, while accepting the award, expressed gratitude to the Association.
“This recognition is a call to do more for the millions of Nigerians whose livelihoods depend on a strong and innovative agricultural economy,” he said.The Governor recalled the state of the sector at the start of his administration.
“We met low productivity, weak value chains, limited mechanisation and the growing pressures of climate change,” he noted. “But we refused to see these challenges as permanent. We chose innovation, reform and resilience.
”Governor Radda listed key achievements under his leadership, stating that his administration has “expanded climate-smart agriculture across all 34 LGAs; invested heavily in mechanisation, irrigation and improved seed varieties; strengthened livestock production through better breeding, disease control and rangeland management; and upgraded extension services with digital tools to improve farmer reach.
”He added that new market-focused programmes are now “helping farmers shift from subsistence to value addition and agro-processing.”Reaffirming his commitment to technology-driven farming, the Governor said:
“The future of food security will be shaped by knowledge, data and technology. Katsina must be at the forefront of that future.
”He further stressed that agriculture remains the state’s strongest foundation for growth. “Our mission is to build an agricultural economy that feeds our people, empowers our farmers and strengthens our state,” he stated.
Governor Radda also commended the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economists, describing it as “a trusted professional body that continues to shape policy direction and strengthen Nigeria’s food systems.
”He dedicated the award “to the katsina farmers, researchers, field workers and all Nigerians working daily to ensure our nation’s food security.”
