By Yusha’u El-Sunais Sani
Not long ago, Governor Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda made a bold and progressive move that sent a strong message about the direction Katsina State must head. PHe ordered that all retirees still occupying government positions step aside and hand over responsibilities to the appropriate Permanent Secretaries. This wasn’t just a bureaucratic shake-up — it was a strategic and future-driven decision aimed at setting the state on a new path.
For years, it had become routine to see retired civil servants reappointed on contract, holding tight to influential roles while sidelining younger, qualified professionals. This practice didn’t just stifle opportunity — it also cultivated an environment where vibrant and capable young officers were intentionally held back. Fresh ideas were brushed aside, promising projects were stalled, and youthful energy was met with resistance from those reluctant to relinquish power.
This deliberate bottleneck ensured that junior staff remained in the shadows, untrained and unexposed — making it easier for retirees to be brought back time and again under the guise of “experience.” The ripple effect is still visible across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), undermining any meaningful effort to reform the public service and slow-walking the governor’s forward-thinking agenda.
But let’s face the truth: retirement exists for a reason. Beyond age or years of service, it’s about making room for new ideas and modern solutions to the challenges we face today. How can young graduates gain employment or experienced officers rise through the ranks if the old system remains clogged with those who should have moved on? How can we embrace digital transformation, global best practices, and forward-looking policies if the mindset driving our systems belongs to a different era?
Even now, some retired individuals continue to cling to sensitive offices, doing more to obstruct progress than facilitate it.
Yet the success stories of Katsina’s younger generation offer clear proof that the future is already here — and it’s in capable hands.
Just consider:
Dr. Mustapha Shehu, whose work through the Agile Project is revolutionizing basic education across the state.
DG Naufal Ahmad, a rising force in the state’s ICT space.
Dr. Kamaal Kabir, whose efforts under the Community Development Project are transforming rural livelihoods.
And the inspiring contributions of Dr. Lawal Kankia, Dr. Babangida Ruma, Hon. Zainab Musawa, Hon. Bilkisu Sulaiman, Hon. Muhammad Nuhu Nagaske, and many other dynamic young leaders who are shaping Katsina’s future with passion and purpose.
These are not exceptions — they are a glimpse into what’s possible when fresh talent is given the platform to shine.
Katsina cannot afford to stall in the past. We must all support initiatives that prioritize generational renewal, empower the youth, and embrace policies that create room for innovation, reform, and real growth.
The future of our state depends on it.
— Yusha’u El-Sunais Sani
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