Hailed Amb Ahmad Rufai’s Agro Vision
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has commended Ambassador Ahmad Rufai for his vision, passion, and long-standing dedication to agriculture, as he officially commissioned The Farm Katsina (TFK) LTD on Sunday in Kaita-Shinkafi town.
Speaking at the colourful unveiling ceremony, Governor Radda described the farm as a model of what is possible when individual dreams are matched with commitment and hard work. “This is more than a farm,” the Governor said. “It is an inspiration—a bold private sector initiative that speaks directly to our goals in agriculture and food security.”
Governor Radda highlighted his administration’s broad investment in the agricultural sector, including the expansion of irrigation, support for mechanized farming, fertilizer access, youth training programmes, and rural infrastructure to connect farmers to markets. “We believe in creating the right environment where ventures like this can thrive. What Ambassador Rufai has done is a partnership with government for the benefit of our people,” he added.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting similar initiatives. “This is the kind of innovation we want to see across Katsina. It aligns with our agricultural roadmap to improve livelihoods, reduce hunger, and grow our economy from the grassroots up,” Governor Radda concluded.
Earlier In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmad Rufai gave a heartfelt reflection on the journey behind The Farm Katsina. He recalled how the idea was born during his time serving in the African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan in 2006–2007. What began as a small dream slowly grew—powered by commitment, sacrifice, and support from close friends—into what has now become a full-scale commercial agricultural enterprise.
He paid special tribute to Alhaji Omar Lawal, fondly known as Abba, who managed the farm in its early years and helped formalize its structure. “Abba brought his skills as an accountant and banker to the table.
Today, he’s our Executive Director of Finance and Administration,” Rufai said. “His contribution has been central to where we are today.”
Ambassador Rufai who holds the traditional title of Sardaunan Katsina also expressed gratitude to partners such as the Central Bank of Nigeria for financing the acquisition of the 100-tonne maize flour mill and dual 2,500-tonne silos, and EcoBank for administering the facility. He commended engineering firms like Atec Practise Limited, Care4 Prime Business Ventures, and IQ Retention to Greater Studies for their role in building the farm’s infrastructure. He also acknowledged the technical support received from Flour Mills of Nigeria, and the generous contributions of Alhaji Nura Manga.
Outlining the farm’s core focus areas—ranging from livestock breeding and poultry head management to grain processing and smart irrigation—Ambassador Rufai called the project a testament to resilience and shared vision. He thanked the Governor Radda for his ongoing support. “Your Excellency, your encouragement has revived a 35-year dream,” he said. “With your leadership in agriculture, we are confident that this farm will contribute meaningfully to Katsina’s progress.”
Among those in attendance were renowned academics, public servants, and statesmen, including former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega; Professor Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, former President of the United Nations General Assembly; Bala Banye, Federal Commissioner of NPC for Katsina; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Abdulkadir Nasir Mamman; Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari; Hon. Sada Soli, Member of the House of Representatives for Kaita/Jibia Federal Constituency; Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Ahmed Muhammad Bakori; Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Faisal Kaita; former Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Bello Tukur Ingawa; Katsina business promoter, Bilya Sanda; and Professor Umar Buba Bindir,former DG of NOTAP amongst others.
Press Released Signed By Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State.
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