Commissioning of the 24 km dual carriageway and flyover, and launch of farm mechanisation

It is with immense gratitude and honor that I stand before you today to witness two remarkable milestones in our State's journey toward development and progress. Today, we gather here not only to commission a crucial infrastructure project—the 24-kilometre dual carriageway and the flyover bridge, which will henceforth be known as Ahmad Bola Tinubu Way—but also to launch the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanization Program, a transformative initiative aimed at modernizing and revolutionizing agriculture in our State.

These two events symbolize our administration’s dual commitment: first, to building world-class infrastructure that connects communities, boosts trade, and enhances mobility; and second, to empowering our farmers and ensuring food security for generations to come. Together, they reflect our vision of an inclusive, interconnected, and thriving Katsina State.

Commissioning of the 24km Dual Carriageway and Flyover Bridge

Ladies and gentlemen,

This dual carriageway, which we are commissioning today, was once plagued by gully erosion, posing significant challenges to safe and efficient travel. Today marks a turning point. We are not only addressing these infrastructural issues but also enhancing connectivity and accessibility for our people. This dual carriageway will serve as a major artery, facilitating trade, transportation, and communication throughout our state and beyond.

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the efforts of this administration in pursuit of quality infrastructure. We have made significant strides in the construction of over 160 kilometres of road networks, both single and dual carriageways, across rural and urban areas. The total investment in these projects exceeds 140 billion Naira, a testament to our commitment to setting the groundwork for sustainable development.

Additionally, this administration has paid more than 7 billion Naira to settle liabilities owed to contractors, ensuring timely completion of ongoing projects.

Our vision goes beyond mere construction; it aims to create a framework for economic growth, improved living standards, and opportunities for generations to come. We believe that access to quality roads is synonymous with access to opportunities—economic opportunities, social inclusion, and equitable development.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for gracing us with his presence today and for continuing to support our infrastructure development initiatives. Your leadership and commitment to progress inspire us and remind us of the enormous potential we hold as a nation.

Launching of the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanization Program

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today is also a historic day for our farmers and the entire agricultural community in Katsina State. Agriculture has always been the backbone of our economy. For generations, our farmers have labored tirelessly to cultivate the land, producing crops that feed not just our state but the entire nation. However, despite their hard work, our farmers have faced numerous challenges—challenges that have limited productivity, efficiency, and the overall growth of the sector.

As we embark on this laudable initiative, I am proud to reflect on the achievements we have made so far in supporting our farmers. Within the past two years of our stewardship, we have achieved significant milestones, including:

• Dry Season Vegetable Farming across the 34 LGAs, in collaboration with local governments—costing 1.9 billion Naira.
• Procurement of 20,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer for the 2024 farming season at the cost of 21.4 billion Naira.
• Resuscitation of the Songhai Center at Makera at the cost of 53 million Naira.
• Purchase of 722 motorcycles/knapsack sprayers for extension workers across the state—costing 839 million Naira.
• Women empowerment programs in agricultural entrepreneurship—costing 146 million Naira.
• Conduct of capacity-building training for 722 co-opted local government agricultural staff—costing 53 million Naira.
• Rehabilitation of the Dutsinma Songhai Center—costing 33 million Naira.
• Resuscitation of the cotton value chain in the state—costing 59 million Naira.
• Zoonotic disease control—costing 9.6 million Naira.
• Development of Pan-African control of epizootic diseases—costing 6.4 million Naira.
• Ranch development—costing 688 million Naira.
• Procurement of liquid fertilizers—costing 10 million Naira.
• Procurement of 16,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer for the 2025 wet season farming—costing 16.8 billion Naira.
• Agricultural mechanization (purchase of agricultural implements)—costing 10 billion Naira.

The world is changing, and the demands on agricultural production are growing. To remain competitive and ensure the sustainability of food production, we must adapt to modern techniques. This is why the introduction of Agricultural Mechanization in Katsina State is a timely and essential step toward addressing challenges such as low productivity, labor shortages, and food insecurity.

Mechanized farming is a vital part of modern agriculture. With the use of modern machinery, we will increase crop yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the overall efficiency of our farmers. Today, we are launching a new phase of agricultural mechanization, which includes the distribution of:

• 400 Lovol TB 504 ROPS tractors
• 10 multi-functional combine harvesters
• 200 disc harrows to match 50 HP farming tractors
• 200 ridgers to match 75 HP tractors
• 70 trailers (7C-3 and 7C-5)
• 1,000 multi-planters

These machines will be distributed across the 361 wards of the state, greatly improving the efficiency and productivity of our farmers and enabling them to cultivate and harvest crops more effectively.

I would like to acknowledge the support of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has provided 4,000 diesel engine water pumps to our state. This support has further enhanced our efforts to improve agricultural productivity and food security.

Ladies and gentlemen, today’s events underscore our administration’s unwavering commitment to progress and development. Whether it is through infrastructure or agriculture, we are determined to build a brighter future for all citizens. Together, we can strengthen not only our physical connections but also our bonds as a community.

I call upon all stakeholders—our farmers, community leaders, and development partners—to take full advantage of these initiatives. Let us work hand in hand to unlock the full potential of our state, ensuring that Katsina becomes a leader in both infrastructure development and agricultural mechanization.

Finally, I express my heartfelt appreciation to the members of the Katsina State House of Assembly, my colleagues in the Executive Council, and the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock Development for your tireless efforts and dedication to the development of our state. Your leadership and vision have been instrumental in driving progress and improving the lives of our people.

Thank you all for being here today to celebrate this momentous occasion. Together, we can pave the way for a prosperous and united future.

God bless you all.

God bless Katsina State.

God bless Nigeria.