Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has joined the global community in marking and congratulating the world on the celebration of World Statistics Day 2025, reaffirming his administration’s strong commitment to data-based governance, transparency, and sustainable development.
This year’s theme, “Driving Change with Quality Statistics and Data for Everyone,” aligns with the Radda administration’s vision of using reliable data to drive planning, decision-making, and accountability across all sectors.
Governor Radda described statistics as “the new currency of development,” noting that Katsina now plans with facts, not assumptions.
“In Katsina, we don’t guess — we plan with facts,” he said. “Good data helps us track progress, identify gaps, and ensure no community is left behind.”
Under his leadership, Katsina has launched several key data-driven projects, including the Katsina State Data Portal, the Integrated Development and Statistical Framework (KSIDSF), Statistical Master Plan (2025-2030), Integrated System of Administrative Statistics (ISAS) and, the Digital Monitoring and Evaluation Dashboard (D-MED).
Over 500 statistical officers have been trained and posted across the 34 LGAs, while the Katsina Data for Development Initiative (KD4DI) has trained over 1,200 graduates in data analysis and digital skills. The Community Data Mapping Survey, covering more than 2,800 rural communities, is now guiding the 2025–2027 Medium-Term Development Plan. A comprehensive multidimensional poverty index (MPI) survey of households in all the 34 household was conducted.
Other achievements include the Katsina Statistical Yearbook, Economic Indicators Dashboard, and GIS mapping of state infrastructure. Data Desks for Women and Youth Affairs have also been established to support inclusion and empowerment programmes. Moreover, a comprehensive baseline data was generated via the pioneer General Household Survey 2025. Meanwhile, over 10,000 households and 30,000 children were supported using date generated via a survey that assesses household vulnerability in the context of food security, nutrition, income and expenditure (AFNICS). It is not coincidence the state was rated top on Subnational Climate Governance as Katsina State is the only State with a detailed monthly metrological data spanning from 1987 until 2024. Moreover, over 3,000 final year students have their capacity strengthened via bootcamp 1.0 for all tertiary institutions in the State.
Governor Radda said data now plays a vital role in improving security and humanitarian response through the State Situation Room, which tracks incidents and relief efforts in real time.
He appreciated statisticians and development partners such as the World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, EU, Canada, Norway and GAVI for supporting Katsina’s data revolution.
“Our goal is simple,” the Governor stated. “We want statistics to tell the real stories of our people — farmers, traders, students, and entrepreneurs. With credible data, we can make decisions that truly change lives.”
Governor Radda also congratulated statisticians, researchers, and the entire global community for their dedication to promoting credible data and evidence-based decision-making, describing their work as vital to national and global development.
“I congratulate everyone marking this important day,” he said. “Together, through reliable data, we can create a smarter, stronger, and more prosperous world.”
As the world marks World Statistics Day 2025, Katsina stands proud as a beacon of innovation, inclusion, and accountability, showing that progress is best achieved when guided by facts.
“Progress begins with data,” Governor Radda added, “but transformation comes when that data leads to action.”
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