China Forum: Radda Pitches Katsina’s Future

By Abdullahi Inuwa

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, is taking the “Building Your Future” agenda global, as he leads a high-powered state delegation to the 16th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum in Macao, China — with a clear mission: to accelerate Katsina’s urban renewal and tech integration.

In a strategic meeting on the sidelines of the summit, Governor Radda met with Mr. Cheng Sichang, Managing Director of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), where he underscored the importance of timely delivery of ongoing projects — including the landmark 24-kilometer Eastern Bypass and the Kiddies-Kofar Soro road, now nearing completion.

But the Governor didn’t stop there.

Radda pressed for CCECC’s technical support to boost Katsina’s educational revolution — particularly in building and equipping three cutting-edge model secondary schools for gifted children across the state’s senatorial zones.

“We seek CCECC’s assistance on technology tools to enhance these legacy projects, as part of your corporate social responsibility,” Radda said.

He also hinted at two new major projects on the horizon and assured that compensation for communities affected by demolitions is being finalized.

The Governor further revealed plans to meet with the Federal Ministry of Works over the delayed Katsina-Kano Road project, describing it as “too critical to be left hanging.”

In response, CCECC’s MD, Cheng Sichang, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing relationship with Katsina, recalling major milestones like the 2006 Katsina Stadium, Daura Emirate roads, and 1,000-student scholarship sponsorships. He confirmed CCECC’s involvement in the Zobe water project and said the Eastern Bypass is key to the envisioned industrial park.

Radda joined global dignitaries at the forum themed “Enhanced Connectivity for Win-Win Cooperation”, rubbing shoulders with ministers, technocrats, and financiers from China, Thailand, Nigeria, Kenya, Turkey, and beyond. Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Transportation, Said Ahmed Alkali, was also in attendance.

The Governor also graced the launch of the Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index (2025), positioning Katsina as a potential gateway for global infrastructure partnerships.

The Governor’s delegation included his wife, Hajiya Fatimah Dikko Radda; Lead Consultant Haroun Abba Gana; and Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji.

With CCECC operating in over 110 countries and already a key player in Katsina’s development, this strategic engagement promises to infuse fresh momentum into the state’s infrastructure and education sectors.

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