By Kolawole Ojebisi
President Bola Tinubu has urged governors across the 36 states of the federation not to let opinions of “armchair critics” get them distracted and lose sight of the purpose of their election but rather remain focus on delivering tangible results that directly impact citizens’ lives.
Tinubu advised states helmsmen to channels their time and energies towards implementing people-centric projects that will outlive their administrations, stressing that these are what can speak for the governors.
The president spoke on Friday as he commenced a two-day working visit to Katsina.
During the visit, the president inaugurated key infrastructure projects completed by Dikko Radda, the governor of the state.
“Let the people be at the heart of your programmes,” he said.
“Your hard work and concrete achievements will answer any criticism. Ignore distractions — your results will speak for you.”
Tinubu inaugurated a 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass Road that links Dutsin-ma Road to Yandaki in Kaita LGA through Kano and Daura roads.
He also commissioned the Katsina Agricultural Mechanised Centre, one of the state’s key interventions in food security.
“We have decided for peace and stability,” Tinubu said.
“I know you face terrorism and banditry attacks in the state, but you have shown determination and courage to move Katsina state forward. You will not walk alone. The federal government will be with you.”
The president identified hunger and poverty as twin evils posing threats to the country’s peace.
“The economy is sailing in the right trajectory. Today, we are seeing an effort to banish hunger and a commitment to food security and the empowerment of our people,” he said.
“Small and large-scale farming will be encouraged. Once we liberate ourselves from hunger, we will appreciate peace and harmony.”
Tinubu said the federal government is committed to supporting agricultural development nationwide.
“The remarkable progress in the state will continue to be rewarded. I want to assure the Nigerian public that agriculture is the heart of our progress and must be for all,” he said.
“We have dedicated ourselves to food security. We must invest in mechanisation and water management. The old style of agriculture is gone.”
He announced that the Bank of Agriculture will be revitalised to improve access to funding for farmers.
“The Bank of Agriculture is being revitalised. When resuscitated, the bank will make funds available for large, medium and small-scale farming,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu praised Radda’s achievements in less than two years, noting progress in agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“I listened to your report card. It is a big task. In just half of your tenure, you have made remarkable progress,” he said.
“The commitment you have shown and the efforts you have put into government are highly commendable. You are a patriot, a son, and a progressive mind with honesty.”
Tinubu recalled the difficult campaign period and praised former governors Ibrahim Shema, Aminu Bello Masari, and Ibrahim Masari for their roles in Radda’s emergence.
“I want to congratulate the great people of Katsina for making the right choice by electing Radda,” he said.
“We have been collaborating with him for the good of the state and the country.”
He called on governors to embrace agricultural reforms as a path to prosperity adding that the country’s over-reliance on oil can’t yeild the expected economic prosperity.
“You have introduced a great, progressive movement in Katsina state by just tilling the land and putting the land to use,” he said.
“Farming will be our source of prosperity and growth. We should remove ourselves from reliance on oil and commit to agriculture. It will bring prosperity.
“I commend you for the mechanisation programme. It is a great investment, and I hope others can learn from it.
“The construction of the 24-km road speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the government. I say, Thank you.”
