 remain central to his administration’s economic transformation plan,){kind=link}
—-Governor Radda
…Set To Upgrade Katsina Youth Craft Village with ₦5bn Investment, Targets Global Standards in Skills Training
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) remain central to his administration’s economic transformation plan, describing them as the true engine of growth, creativity, and job creation across Katsina State and Nigeria.
Governor Radda disclosed that over ₦5.5 billion has been set aside to support MSMEs through zero-interest loans, flexible repayment options, and digital access platforms that guarantee transparency and fairness, free from favoritism or political influence. He noted that more than 80 percent of participants at the Katsina MSME Clinic were women mostly young entrepreneurs who are using creativity and technology to grow their ventures.
Speaking at the Government House in Katsina yesterday, the Governor explained that MSMEs contribute nearly 49 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and account for more than 80 percent of all employment opportunities. This, he said, underscores his administration’s deliberate effort to build a strong, inclusive economy driven by small businesses and local innovation.
He revealed that the state is now moving from basic data collection to a fully digital MSME database that captures detailed information on entrepreneurs and their activities. “We want data that speaks directly to the needs of our entrepreneurs,” he said.
Governor Radda further announced that the state government has introduced non-repayable grants to support small business owners who lack access to formal credit. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has already disbursed over ₦542 million across different parts of the state.
On skills development, the Governor stated that the Katsina Craft Village is being upgraded with a ₦5 billion investment to transform it into a Centre of Excellence for Vocational Training and Innovation. Trainees at the centre are now earning National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)-certified skills, while some selected beneficiaries have been sent to Brazil’s SENAI Institute for advanced technical training and global exposure.
Highlighting his administration’s dedication to youth empowerment, Governor Radda emphasized that lasting job creation cannot rely solely on government employment. “Real jobs must come from entrepreneurship, innovation, and value creation,” he said. “Our goal is to raise job creators, not job seekers.”
He urged young people to focus on skills, creativity, and productivity instead of depending only on academic certificates. “In today’s world, what you can do matters more than the paper you hold,” he remarked.
Governor Radda also shared insights into his approach to leadership, saying he is guided by sincerity, courage, and accountability rather than politics. “I tell people the truth — what is possible and what is not,” he said. “My mission is to be a governor who makes a real difference, not just one who occupies office.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to genuine service and purposeful leadership. “What matters most is honesty, impact, and the courage to do what is right,” he added.
Governor Radda expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their continued support and collaboration with Katsina State. He noted that the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms align closely with Katsina’s own homegrown strategies for inclusive growth and enterprise development.
He concluded by restating his administration’s resolve to promote entrepreneurship, expand opportunities, and build a self-sustaining economy where Katsina’s youth and women can thrive through their talent, skills, and hard work.
About The Author
