KATSINA — Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has said the relationship between Katsina and the Southwest runs deep in Nigeria’s political history, describing both regions as partners in nation-building.
Governor Radda stated this on Thursday, when he received members of the Yoruba Community Council, Katsina State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Abdulrazaq Abbas Olukolu, on a courtesy visit at the Red Chamber, Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina.
The Governor said the bond between Katsina and the Yoruba people extends beyond ethnicity, language and geography, pointing to shared historical, cultural, traditional and religious ties.
He cited the relationship between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua as an example of national unity that transcended ethnic and regional boundaries.
“Nigeria’s political history has shown that mutual understanding and cooperation among different regions remain essential to national unity and stability,” Governor Radda said.
He assured the Yoruba community of his administration’s continued support, inclusion and protection, stressing that Katsina remains home to all Nigerians who live and contribute to its development.
“I do not particularly like the expression ‘non-indigenous’ when it is used to describe people who have lived in a place for decades and contributed to its development,” the Governor said.
“If somebody has lived in a place for 40 or more years and somebody still looks at him and says, ‘You are a non-indigene,’ I think we should also ask: who is truly an indigene?” he asked.
Governor Radda added that ethnic and cultural differences should not undermine Nigeria’s shared identity. He urged Nigerians to see themselves as one people and called for greater exposure of younger generations to the country’s cultural diversity.
He commended the Yoruba community for its support and contributions to Katsina State, and urged them to sustain their backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for the sake of national development.
“We will continue to support one another. We will continue to protect the lives and property of the people living in the state as much as we can,” he said.
“Let us work together to build a better Nigeria, a better Katsina and a better future for all our people.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Yoruba Community Council, Abdulrazaq Abbas Olukolu, thanked the Governor for his inclusive leadership and for appointing members of the community into government positions.
He said the gesture had strengthened the sense of belonging among Yoruba residents and encouraged them to contribute more to the state’s progress.
Olukolu also pledged the community’s continued cooperation and support for both the Katsina State Government and President Tinubu’s administration.
The visit was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; members of the State Executive Council; Special Advisers on Non-Indigenous Affairs; and other government officials.
Katsina, Southwest Relationship Deep-rooted In Nigeria’s History — Gov Radda
