By; SULAIMAN AHMED MISAU, Katsina Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has Commissioned “The Farm Katsina” owned by former Director
By; SULAIMAN AHMED MISAU, Katsina
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has Commissioned “The Farm Katsina” owned by former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmad Rufa’i
in Shinkafi Village of Kaita Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Umaru Radda described the vision of Ambassador Rufa’i as “highly commendable and long standing dedication to agriculture. nothing that, “this is more than a farm but an inspiration of a bold private sector initiative that speaks directly to the nation’s goals in agriculture and food security.”
Governor Radda highlighted his administration’s broad investment in the agricultural sector which includes:- the expansion of irrigation, support for mechanized farming, fertilizer access, youth training programmes, and rural infrastructure to connect farmers to markets.
Governor Radda said, “We believe in creating the right environment where ventures like this can thrive. What Ambassador Rufai has done is a partnership with government for the benefit of Katsina people.”
The Governor reiterated the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration’s commitment in the state to supporting similar initiatives. Stressing that, “This is the kind of innovation we want to see across Katsina. It aligns with our agricultural roadmap to improve livelihoods, reduce hunger, and grow our economy from the grassroots up.”
Speaking earlier, Ambassador Ahmad Rufai gave a heartfelt reflection on the journey behind The Farm Katsina and recalled on how the idea was born during his time serving in the African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan in 2006–2007.
He said, “What began as a small dream slowly grew, powered by commitment, sacrifice, and support from close friends into what has now become a full-scale commercial agricultural enterprise”.
Ambassador Rufa’i paid special tribute to Alhaji Omar Lawal, fondly known as Abba, who managed the farm in its early years and helped formalize its structure. stating that, “Abba brought his skills as an accountant and banker to the table.
“Today, he’s our Executive Director of Finance and Administration and his contribution has been central to where we are today,” he added.
Ambassador Ahmad Rufai who is also the Sardaunan Katsina expressed gratitude to partners such as the Central Bank of Nigeria for financing the acquisition of the 100-tonne maize flour mill and dual 2,500-tonne silos, and EcoBank for administering the facility.
He however, commended engineering firms like Atec Practise Limited, Care4 Prime Business Ventures, and IQ Retention to Greater Studies for their role in building the farm’s infrastructure. He also acknowledged the technical support received from Flour Mills of Nigeria, and the generous contributions of Alhaji Nura Manga.
Outlining the farm’s core focus areas :- ranging from livestock breeding and poultry head management to grain processing and smart irrigation.
As he called the project as a testament to resilience and shared vision, Ambassador Ahmad Rufa’i thanked the Governor Dikko Radda for his ongoing support. “Your Excellency, your encouragement has revived a 35-year dream. With your leadership in agriculture, we are confident that this farm will contribute meaningfully to Katsina’s progress.”
Personalities attended the Commissioning includes:- renowned academics, public servants, and statesmen such as former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega; former President of the United Nations General Assembly, Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande; Federal Commissioner of NPC for Katsina, Alhaji Bala Alum Banye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir.
Others are:-Secretary to Katsina State Government, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari; Member House of Representatives, Kaita/Jibia Federal Constituency, Honourable Sada Soli; Katsina State Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Ahmed Muhammad Bakori; Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Faisal Kaita; former Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Bello Tukur Ingawa; Katsina business Promoter, Alhaji Bilya Sanda and Professor Umar Buba Bindir among others.
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