Shettima opens Katsina Agriculture Platform and Dual Carriageway, hails local innovation

NIGERIA – Vice President Kashim Shettima has commissioned the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA) and a 3.3-kilometre dual carriageway in Katsina metropolis.

He described both projects as proof of innovation, discipline, and purposeful leadership under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Shettima praised Nigerian farmers for their resilience and said they need more than applause.

“What farmers need is not sympathy or applause but the right systems and tools to help them thrive,” he said. He added that KASPA provides structure, data, and knowledge to help farmers succeed.

The Vice President said food security forms the base of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic plan. “Food security is the foundation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic transformation agenda,” he stated.

“That’s why we declared a state of emergency on food production and are aligning federal and state efforts to ensure Nigeria grows what it eats and processes what it grows.”

He said KASPA supports this plan by giving farmers access to inputs, training, and markets. “Technology must serve humanity. Every dashboard and dataset must lead to better harvests, fairer prices, and dignity for our farmers,” he added.

Mr Shettima urged Nigerians to see agriculture as a field of enterprise and innovation. “This is what progress looks like real, measurable, and felt in people’s lives,” he said.

Urban renewal and infrastructure

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda welcomed guests at the commissioning and said the ₦4.8 billion road from Central Mosque Roundabout to WTC Roundabout is part of the Urban Renewal Programme. The project includes solar-powered streetlights, drainage, and modern traffic features.

“These projects are about more than roads. They are about connection, commerce, and opportunity,” Governor Radda said.

He explained that the wider Urban Renewal Project covers 10 major roads totalling over 55 kilometres and ongoing works in Funtua, Daura, and across 34 local governments.

He also launched KASPA, describing it as “a digital innovation connecting the entire agricultural value chain.”

He added that his administration has distributed 20,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, procured 400 tractors, and plans to onboard one million farmers for e-extension services.

Citizens welcome development

Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Sani Magaji Ingawa, said the road features solar lighting, proper drainage, and pedestrian walkways. Former Borno State Military Governor, Abdulmumini Aminu, thanked the government on behalf of residents.

“We have already begun to enjoy its benefits, smoother traffic, safer roads, and modern solar streetlights,” he said.

“Personally, this project touches me deeply: it passes in front of my home, was built by my brother, Governor Dikko Radda, and commissioned today by my brother and boss, the Vice President.”

The event drew top officials, traditional rulers, and residents who celebrated it as a milestone in Katsina’s growth through innovation and inclusive development.

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