Commissioning of the Dr. Dikko Radda Cassava and Garri Processing Centre, Batsari

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

It is with profound gratitude to Almighty Allah that I stand before you today for the commissioning of the Dr. Dikko Radda Cassava/Garri Processing Centre here in Batsari Local Government Area.

I am delighted to join our traditional rulers, community leaders, farmers, women groups, youth associations, development partners, government officials, and the good people of Batsari to witness the realization of another important milestone in our administration's journey toward building a prosperous and economically resilient Katsina State.

Today's event is much more than the commissioning of a processing centre. It is the celebration of a vision. It is the fulfillment of a promise. It is another demonstration that when the government is driven by sincerity of purpose, commitment, and accountability, campaign promises can indeed become realities.

As soon as we took over the mantle of leadership, we made a solemn commitment to the people of Katsina State that our government would focus on projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens. We pledged to invest in agriculture, create employment opportunities, stimulate rural economies, reduce poverty, and empower our youth and women through practical, sustainable programmes.

Today, we are fulfilling another aspect of that promise. Our administration firmly believes that agriculture is not merely a means of livelihood; it is the engine of economic growth, food security, industrial development, and social stability. For decades, agriculture has sustained our people. However, we have also recognized that producing crops alone is no longer sufficient. Real prosperity lies in adding value to what we produce.

That is why we have deliberately shifted attention from production alone to processing, packaging, storage, marketing, and industrialization. This Cassava/Garri Processing Centre is a practical reflection of that vision.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Cassava is one of the world's most important food crops. It possesses enormous economic potential, serving as a source of food, livestock feed, industrial raw materials, pharmaceuticals, starch production, ethanol, and numerous other products. Nigeria remains the world's largest producer of cassava, yet much of this potential remains underutilized because of inadequate processing facilities.

This administration is determined to change that narrative. The establishment of this processing centre will significantly improve the cassava value chain within Katsina State. It will provide farmers with a reliable market for their product, reduce post-harvest losses, increase productivity, improve product quality, and generate additional income for thousands of households. More importantly, it will create employment opportunities for our youth and women, who remain at the heart of our economic transformation agenda.

Our women have always been active participants in agricultural processing and food production. By providing modern equipment, improved technology, and better working conditions, we are reducing the burden associated with traditional processing methods while increasing efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

To our young people, this centre represents opportunity. It is an invitation to embrace agribusiness as a profitable enterprise rather than merely subsistence farming. Agriculture has become a business, and the future belongs to those who innovate, process, package, and create value.

Ladies and gentlemen, one of the defining principles of our administration is inclusive development. Development must not be concentrated only in urban centres while rural communities remain neglected. Every community deserves access to opportunities that improve livelihoods and create prosperity.

Batsari is known for its hardworking and resilient people. Despite the challenges faced over the years, the people have continued to demonstrate courage, determination, and hope. This administration remains committed to restoring peace, improving security, expanding economic opportunities, and rebuilding confidence across all our communities.

The commissioning of this processing centre is therefore not only an economic intervention but also a message of hope. It demonstrates that the government has not forgotten the people. It demonstrates that development will continue to reach every corner of Katsina State.

Our administration's agricultural transformation agenda extends beyond this project. We are investing in improved seeds, mechanized farming, irrigation development, extension services, climate-smart agriculture, farmer support programmes, livestock improvement, and agro-industrial development. We are creating an ecosystem where farmers have access to inputs, production support, processing facilities, storage systems, market linkages, and financing opportunities.

This integrated approach ensures that agriculture becomes a complete value chain capable of generating wealth for individuals while contributing significantly to the state's economy. We understand that the future of our economy depends on diversification. Oil revenues alone cannot sustain long-term development. Agriculture, technology, innovation, education, and entrepreneurship must become the pillars of our economic future. That is why investments like today's project are extremely important.

To the management of this processing centre, I wish to emphasize that commissioning a facility is only the beginning. The true measure of success lies in how effectively it is managed.

I therefore urge you to maintain the equipment, ensure transparency in operations, uphold the highest standards of hygiene and quality, and make this facility accessible to all genuine beneficiaries.

Let this centre become a model of excellence for agro-processing not only in Katsina State but across Northern Nigeria.

I also encourage our farmers to organize themselves into strong cooperatives, embrace modern farming techniques, and take full advantage of the opportunities this facility provides. The government will continue to support initiatives that enhance productivity, improve access to markets, and strengthen agricultural value chains.

As we commission this Cassava/Garri Processing Centre today, let it serve as a symbol of hope, resilience, productivity, and shared prosperity.

Let it remind us that development is possible when the government and citizens work together.

Let it inspire similar investments across our state.

Let it create jobs, reduce poverty, improve food security, and stimulate economic growth for many years to come.

Before I conclude, let me specially recognize and commend the Director General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Dr. Babangida Kabir Ruma, a distinguished son of Batsari whose unwavering commitment to the economic transformation of our dear state continues to inspire confidence and hope.

I pray that Almighty Allah blesses this facility, protects everyone who works here, grants abundant harvests to our farmers, blesses our women entrepreneurs, provides opportunities for our youth, and continues to guide us in our collective efforts to build a greater Katsina State.

On behalf of the Government and the good people of Katsina State, it is my singular honour and privilege to officially commission the Dr. Dikko Radda Cassava/Garri Processing Centre, Batsari, for the benefit of present and future generations.

May Allah bless Katsina State.

May Allah bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you all, and May Allah's peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you.