By Abdullahi Inuwa
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has embarked on a high-level strategic mission to China, seeking partnerships with leading technology and industrial firms to deploy artificial intelligence (AI), smart governance and agricultural mechanisation in driving the state’s development agenda.
Leading a delegation to the People’s Republic of China, Governor Radda said the visit aligns with his administration’s “Building Your Future” blueprint, aimed at harnessing technology to improve governance, education, security, agriculture, manufacturing and the digital economy.
“Technology has been integrated into our development strategy from the outset. We are using it to improve public service delivery, create economic opportunities, strengthen security and accelerate growth across critical sectors,” the governor said.
During the mission, the delegation reviewed ongoing partnerships, including the Radda Smart Model School, developed in collaboration with Huawei Technologies. The facility is equipped with uninterrupted electricity, high-speed internet, interactive smart classrooms and a Learning Management System designed to modernise teaching and learning.
Governor Radda also highlighted the deployment of a Mobile Digital Learning Truck, donated by Huawei through the Katsina Directorate of Information and Communications Technology (KATDICT), to expand digital literacy and technology education in underserved communities across the state.
In the agricultural sector, the governor said the state is collaborating with Chinese partners to establish the Katsina Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, a project expected to improve access to modern farming equipment, boost productivity and strengthen food security.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured Huawei’s Global Training Centre, research and development facilities, manufacturing plants, Smart Campus and Integrated Operations Centre (IOC), where discussions focused on digital government, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, smart education and digital public infrastructure.
According to Governor Radda, Huawei’s Integrated Operations Centre demonstrated how technology can enhance intelligence-led governance through real-time data integration, emergency response coordination and improved public service management.
“The knowledge and experience gained here will help us strengthen security coordination and improve efficiency across government institutions in Katsina State,” he said.
The delegation also held strategic talks with Geely Holding Group, one of China’s leading automotive and technology companies, exploring opportunities in electric vehicles, intelligent manufacturing, industrialisation and skills development.
Governor Radda noted that the engagements would support economic diversification, stimulate industrial growth and create employment opportunities for the state’s growing population.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging practical technology-driven solutions to improve outcomes in education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce, security and public administration.
“This mission is about deepening existing partnerships while opening new frontiers that will accelerate our ‘Building Your Future’ agenda and deliver a more productive, secure and prosperous Katsina State,” the governor said.
The delegation includes the Governor’s Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; Director-General of KATDICT, Naufal Ahmad; Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board (KTDMB), Mustapha Shehu; and the Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Maikudi.
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