Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has inaugurated the newly elected chairmen of the state’s 34 Local Government Areas.

In a statement issued by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State, Radda charged them to exercise utmost prudence in the management of public funds and to prioritise projects that will directly benefit the lives of their constituents.

The swearing-in ceremony, a historic event marking the first seamless transition from one democratically elected council to another in Katsina State, took place on Monday at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. 

The oath of office was administered by the Katsina State Chief Judge, Justice Danladi Musa.

Addressing the newly inaugurated chairmen, Governor Radda underscored the critical importance of fiscal responsibility at the local government level.

“I urge you all to approach your responsibilities with integrity, transparency, and accountability,” the governor stressed.

“Remember that public service is not about personal gain but about serving the greater good. Every kobo allocated to your councils must be judiciously utilised for projects that uplift the living standards of your people.”

Governor Radda highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating that it marked “the beginning of a new chapter for grassroots governance in Katsina State”. 

He emphasised the pivotal role of local government leaders in driving development, promoting peace, and fostering unity within their respective communities.

“As leaders of our local governments, you are now at the forefront of delivering development, promoting peace, and fostering unity within your communities. The expectations are high, and rightly so, because the local government system serves as the closest link between the government and the people,” he affirmed.

In a significant commitment, Governor Radda declared his administration’s full commitment to the implementation of local government autonomy “in all its ramifications across the 34 LGAs in Katsina State”, assuring the people of Katsina State and Nigeria at large of this resolve.

To further enhance the performance and efficient utilisation of local government resources, the governor announced the creation of a new department under the Ministry of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs. 

This department will be headed by a special adviser in charge of inspectorate matters and will focus on restructuring for effective service delivery.

Governor Radda outlined six key priority areas for the chairmen during their tenure: education and youth empowerment, healthcare delivery, agricultural transformation, security and peace building, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.

He issued a stern warning against any form of misconduct, stating, “Corruption, inefficiency, and negligence will not be tolerated under my watch.” 

At the same time, he assured the chairmen of his administration’s “unwavering support” through guidance, technical assistance, and financial allocations.

Also present at the ceremony was the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who shared his own extensive experience in local government administration with the newly elected officials.

“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we’ve achieved remarkable success in turning dreams into reality. I am not surprised by this massive turnout today. The president’s success stems not only from his visionary leadership but also from his principled approach to politics—a politics of service, accomplishment, and genuine commitment to the people,” Dr Ganduje remarked.

The APC National Chairman expressed his pride in the party’s achievements at the grassroots level, commending the chairmen for their dedication to public service. 

“Today, on behalf of the APC leadership, I commend your dedication to public service. We are proud of your achievements because we recognise the critical role of governance in uplifting our people,” he said.

Drawing on his own past as a councillor, local government chairman, and governor, Dr Ganduje cautioned the new leaders on the responsibilities that come with autonomy.

“Autonomy does not mean isolation. It does not mean you only show up when federal allocations arrive. It does not mean prioritising personal gain over public good,” he charged.

The swearing-in ceremony was graced by the presence of the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe; the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; Senators and Members of the Federal House of Representatives representing Katsina State; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Abdulkadir Nasir Mamman; the National Coordinator of the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD), Hon. Abdullahi Jabiru Tsauri; traditional rulers; and a large number of citizens from across the 34 Local Government Areas of Katsina State.