The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to transform Katsina State into an industrial hub through innovation, technology, and resilience. Vice-President Kashim Shettima made this commitment at the First Katsina State Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) awards dinner and Dikko Social Innovation Academy Graduation ceremony, held in Katsina.
Katsina State has a rich history of transformation, with a strong legacy of learning, trade, and craftsmanship. According to Vice-President Shettima, the state’s strategic location was not an accident of geography, but rather the result of deliberate organization by rulers who governed with foresight. The state’s scholars, traders, and entrepreneurs have long played a crucial role in shaping the region’s destiny.
The Vice-President emphasized the need to renew this legacy through industrialization, anchored on the state’s comparative advantage. He suggested that the state should focus on processing its existing products, such as cotton and millet, to create new industries and jobs. Katsina State was once a major producer of cotton and millet, accounting for 62% of Nigeria’s cotton output and ranking third globally in millet production.
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state into a thriving hub for entrepreneurship and inclusive development. He expressed appreciation for the Vice-President’s support, noting that his presence at the event demonstrated his unwavering commitment to MSME development in Nigeria.
The Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), A’isha Aminu, highlighted the significance of the event, which aimed to recognize and celebrate the excellence and resilience of entrepreneurs in the state. The maiden edition of the Katsina State MSME Awards received an overwhelming 2,200 applications from across the state.
The transformation of Katsina State into an industrial hub is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s economy, creating jobs and driving inclusive prosperity. The Federal Government’s commitment to supporting MSMEs and promoting industrialization is a key step towards achieving this goal. With its rich history and strong legacy of innovation and resilience, Katsina State is well-positioned to become a major industrial hub in Nigeria.
