By Abdullahi Inuwa
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, has called for greater inclusion of residents from different ethnic backgrounds, saying people who have spent decades living in the state should be regarded as part of the community rather than treated as outsiders.
Governor Radda made the remarks when he received a delegation of the Non-Indigenes Association of Katsina (NIAK), market women, religious and traditional leaders, as well as other stakeholders, on a courtesy visit to the Government House.
The delegation was led by the Governor’s Special Assistant on Non-Indigenous Affairs, Chief Chukwuka Okoye.
Radda said many people described as non-indigenes had lived in Katsina for 30 or 40 years, while their children were born, raised and educated in the state.
He argued that such long-standing residents had, in many cases, developed deeper social, economic and cultural connections with Katsina than with their ancestral homes.
“Those who have lived here for decades and whose children were born and educated here should not necessarily continue to be regarded as non-indigenes,” the governor said.
According to him, Katsina has become home to thousands of Nigerians from different parts of the country, making peaceful coexistence and mutual respect essential to the state’s continued development.
The governor assured the delegation that his administration would sustain policies aimed at promoting unity and peaceful relations among residents, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.
He attributed the relative peace enjoyed in the state partly to the government’s commitment to allowing residents to practise their faith freely and in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
Radda also stressed the need for Nigerians to preserve their culture and traditions, describing them as important elements of identity, dignity and national unity.
Responding to requests presented by the association, the governor directed relevant government officials to review the issues raised and communicate their decisions to the group.
Earlier, the President of NIAK, Prince Kunle Awe, commended the Radda administration for what he described as its commitment to inclusive governance, peaceful coexistence and development.
Awe said members of the association appreciated the environment created by the government, which he said had enabled people from different parts of Nigeria to live, work and conduct their businesses peacefully in Katsina.
Also speaking, Chief Chukwuka Okoye disclosed that the association was planning a prayer conference to seek divine intervention for the peace and progress of Katsina State and Nigeria.
He said the programme would also include prayers for peaceful elections and continued stability across the country.
The meeting further underscored the growing importance of inclusiveness and unity in a state where residents from diverse backgrounds have lived and contributed to the local economy and social development for many years.
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